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EARLY  ANNALS 


J^EWINGTON 


COMPRISING^ 


THE  FIRST   RECORDS  OF    THE    NEfl^NGTON  ECCLESIASTICAL    SOCIETY,  AND    OF 

THE  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH  CONNECTED  THEREWITH  ;   WITH 

DOCUMENTS  AND  PAPERS  RELATING  TO  THE  EARLY 

HISTORY  OF  THE  PARISH. 


TRANSCKIBED     ^ND     EDITED 


ROGER  WELLES, 

K 
CLERK    OF    THE    SOCIETY   AND    CHURCH. 


HARTFORD : 
PRESS  OF  THE  CASE,  LOCKWOOD  &  BRAINARD  CO. 

1874. 


I^O  TE. 


The  original  manuscripts  and  records,  which  are  transcribed  and 
presented  in  the  following  pages,  are  written  in  the  ancient  style  of 
writing  and  spelling,  which  renders  them  almost,  if  not  quite,  illegible 
to  all  eyes  unused  to  read  them.  They  are  also  fast  perishing  by 
reason  of  age  and  decay.  It  is  fit  that  they  should  live,  and  in  an 
accessible  form  yield  up  any  treasures  of  historical  and  genealogical 
interest  that  they  may  contain.  It  is  hoped  that  they  may  prove 
valuable  for  reference  to  individuals  and  families,  and  as  a  contribution 
towards  a  history  of  Newington.  The  aim  has  been  to  let  them,  so 
far  as  possible,  tell  in  their  own  quaint  language  the  story  of  the  past, 
connecting  and  explaining  them  with  only  needed  words  of  comment. 
The  preservation  of  the  records  of  a  society,  church,  or  any  public 
body  is  a  matter  of  such  common  concernment,  that  it  might  very 
fittingly  be  undertaken  by  the  authority  and  at  the  expense  of  such 
body.  In  this  case,  however,  the  interest  felt  in  the  subject  by  three 
persons  has  dictated  the  present  publication.  Martin  Robbins,  Esq., 
and  Henry  M.  Robbins,  Esq.,  of  Newington,  have  furnished  the 
means  for  carrying  the  work  through  the  press,  while  my  part  has 
been  to  select,  transcribe,  and  arrange  the  materials.  Most  of  the 
documents  quoted  have  been  copied  from  the  originals  in  the  state 
archives  now  in  the  oflSce  of  Mr.  Charles  J.  Hoadly,  the  state  libra- 
rian, who  has  very  kindly  given  me  his  assistance  in  consulting  them. 

R.  WELLES. 
Newington,  March  30,  1874. 


EARLY  ANNALS 

OF 

NEWINGTOK. 


FIRST   PERIOD,— 1700-1726. 

Wethersfield  is  the  most  ancient  town  in  the  Common- 
wealth of  Connecticut.  It  was  first  settled  about  the  year 
1634,  and  called  Watertown.  Within  twenty  years  after 
that  time,  the  General  Court  of  the  Colony  adopted  a  code 
of  laws  for  the  Colony,  since  called  the  "  Code  of  1650." 
This  body  of  laws  required  among  other  things  that  all  towns 
should  set  out  their  bounds  and  perambulate  them  every  three 
years,  and  that  "  The  most  ancient  town,  which  for  the  river 
is  determined  by  the  Court  to  be  Wethersfield,"  should  give 
notice  of  such  perambulation. 

This  official  enactment,  made  by  men  highest  in  authority 
in  the  Colony,  who  were  themselves  probably  among  the  first 
settlers  of  these  towns,  and  knew  whereof  they  spake,  ought 
to  settle  the  question  that  Wethersfield  is  the  pioneer  town. 
This  provision  of  the  law  was  retained  in  the  printed  revision 
of  1672-3  and  in  that  of  1702,  and  was  not  omitted  till  the 
revision  of  1750,  one  hundred  years  after  it  was  originally 
passed  (Conn.  Col.  Rec.  1636-1665,  page  513,  and  note). 
The  original  domain  of  the  town  was  ample.  It  extended 
from  Hartford  south,  six  miles  to  Middletown,  and  east  from 
the  river  three  miles,  and  west  from  the  river  six  miles  to 
Farmington.  From  its  territory  have  been  incorporated  the 
town  of  Glastonbury,  a  portion  of  the  town  of  Berlin,  and 
the  towns  of  Rocky  Hill  and  Newington.  The  first  settled 
towns  were  divided  into  tiers  of  land  or  plantations  called 
divisions  of  lands.  There  were  such  divisions  in  Wethers- 
field. How  early  in  its  history  they  were  made,  might  pos- 
sibly be  disclosed  by  its  ancient  records.  There  was  such  a 
division  of  lands  on  its  western  border,  running  from  Hart- 
ford, south  to  Middletown    six  niiles,  and   from   Farmington 


east,  about  two  miles  and  fifty  rods,  called  "the  west  division" 
of  lands.*  It  began  to  be  settled  probably  about  1700.  In  the 
year  1708  its  inhabitants  had  so  increased  in  its  fruitful 
valleys,  that  the  spirit  of  liberty  arose  in  their  hearts,  and 
they  desired  to  break  the  ministerial  tie  that  bound  them  to 
their  brothers  located  at  the  other  side  of  the  town.  They 
accordingly  petitioned  the  town  of  Wethersfield  to  be  allowed 
to  be  a  distinct  parish,  as  appears  by  the  following  vote,  passed 
"at  a  town  meeting  held  December  20,  1708. 

"  Whereas  the  inhabitants,  on  the  west  part  of  this  town  do 
petition  to  be  a  distinct  parish,  the  towij  think  it  meet  to 
refer  the  consideration  thereof  to  the  next  town  meeting,  and 
for  that  purpose  choose  Mr.  Stephen  Mix,  Lieut.  James  Treat, 
Capt.  Joshua  Bobbins,  and  John  Chester,  a  committee  to  con- 
sider of  what  may  be  proper  to  offer  concerning  said  petition 
of  the  west  inhabitants,  and  make  report  thereof  at  the  next 
meeting.'' 

This  committee  did  not  apparently  "  consider"  the  matter 
very  attentively.  At  all  events  the  result  of  the  next  meet- 
ing was  to  postpone  the  subject  for  another  year,  as  appears 
by  the  following  vote. 

"  At  a  town  meeting  held  in  Weathersfield  on  the  14th 
day  of  December,  1709.  This  town  do  continue  the  power  of 
the  committee  chosen  in  December,  1708,  for  the  considering 
of  the  petition  of  the  west  inhabitants,  and  to  consider  a  suit- 
able place  for  the  setting  a  meeting  house  on,  and  to  make 
return  of  their  thoughts  to  the  town  meeting  the  next  oppor- 
tunity." 

It  is  probable  that  the  committee  were  still  slow  to  grant 
the  prayer  of  tlie  petition,  and  that  they  did  not  favor  the 
formation  of  a  new  parish,  and  the  consequent  release  of  the 
west  farmers  from  paying  ministerial  charges  to  the  Weth- 
ersfield parish,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Stephen 
Mix,  the  chairman  of  the  committee.  Undoubtedly  the  com- 
mittee reported  the  plan  of  compromise  which  received  the 
sanction  of  the  town,  and  is  embodied  in  the  following  record. 

*  This  division  of  lands  contained  apparently  four  tiers  of  lots,  called  "  East 
Tier,"  "  Short  Lots,"  "  Sawmill  Lots,"  and  "  Fifty  Two  Acre  Lots."  Some  of 
the  large  land-owners,  about  1720,  were  the  Chester  family,  who  held  about  632 
acres,  of  which  400  acres  belonged  to  Major  Chester  and  were  by  him  entailed, 
298  acres  belonged  to  Capt.  Wells'  sons,  127  to  Capt.  Uobbins,  about  109  to 
Ensign  Kobbins,  about  104  to  Mr.  i^ix, — also  Governour  Saltonstall,  Jonathan 
Deming  of  Rocky  Hill,  and  Thomas  Wright  each  owned  a  "  Fifty-two  Acre  Lot." 


"  At  a  town  meeting  holden  in  Wethersfield  on  the  18th 
day  of  December,  Anno  Domini,  1710. 

Our  brethren  dwelling  towards  the  west  end  of  this  town, 
viz.  Ezekiel  Buck,  senior,  and  the  rest  hereunto  subscribing, 
desiring  liberty  to  be  a  distinct  assembly  for  the  public  wor- 
ship of  God,  because  of  their  being  remote  from  the  place  of 
public  worship  in  this  town.  In  answer  to  their  petition,  the 
proprietors,  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Wethersfield,  return 
as  followeth,  viz.  That  they  being  many  of  them  newly 
planted  and  settled  where  they  now  live,  we  can't  see  how 
they  can  honorably,  and  without  apparent  straightening  them- 
selves to  that  degree  as  shall  overbalance  the  toil  of  attend- 
ing the  public  worship  where  it  is  now  carried  on,  set  up  and 
support  the  public  worship  of  God  amongst  themselves :  and 
that  therefore  the  proprietors,  inhabitants  of  this  town,  do 
consent  and  vote,  as  far  as  it  is  with  tliem  so  to  do,  that  the 
said  petitioners,  and  any  that  shall  inhabit  within  half  a 
mile  of  any  of  their  houses,  shall  have  liberty  of  assembling 
separately  from  the  rest  of  the  town,  and  jointly  and  publicly 
to  gather  in  the  worship  of  God  amongst  themselves  for  four 
months  of  the  year  yearly,  that  is  to  say,  December,  January, 
February  and  March,  until  the  lands  about  them  being  more 
peopled,  and  themselves  and  their  labors  blest  to  such  a  suffi- 
ciency as  that  they  shall  be  able  comfortably,  and  without 
distraction,  decently  and  honorably  to  set  up  and  maintain 
the  ministry  and  ordinances  amongst  themselves,  and  that 
they  shall  be  released  from  one-third  part  of  the  charge  that 
shall  yearly  arise  for  the  maintaining  the  ministry  in  the 
town  where  it  now  is." 

Thus  the  people  of  this  hamlet,  four  or  five  miles  distant 
from  Wethersfield  church,  and  separated  from  it  by  Cedar 
mountain  and  two  or  three  ranges  of  high  hills  and  interven- 
ing valleys,  had  liberty  granted  them,  for  a  third  part  of  the 
year,  when  the  weather  was  most  inclement  and  the  traveling 
the  worst,  to  assemble  in  neighborhood  meetings  to  worsliip 
God  among  themselves ;  and  were  released  from  a  third  part 
of  the  tax  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  at  Wethersfield. 
The  two  went  together,  freedom  to  worship  God  and  the  ne- 
cessity of  paying  for  it.  The  vote  shows  how  firmly  linked 
were  church  and  state  in  those  days.  Indeed  the  church  was 
dominant,  the  civil  power  subsidary.  Every  man  was  held 
to  his  allegiance  to  his  God,  and  it  was  considered  right  that 
his  property  which   he  held  as  the  steward   of  his  Master, 


6 

should  pay  its  due  proportion  towards  the  Master's  service. 
The  sturdy  men  of  that  time  saw  no  ecclesiastical  despotism 
in  these  principles.  They  based  their  action  upon  the  sure 
foundation  of  the  written  word  of  God.  The  words  of  our 
Saviour  "  Render  therefore  unto  Cesar  the  things  which 
are  Cesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are  God's"  con- 
tained a  short  summary  of  their  duty  to  their  God  and  their 
King,  an  epitome  of  their  religion  and  their  loyalty. 

All  compromises  are  apt  to  fail.  This  one  lasted  about  two 
years,  when  the  subject  was  again  brought  up  in  town  meet- 
ing.    The  record  tells  the  story  as  follows  : — 

"  At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  assembled  and  lield  in  Weath- 
ersfield,  December  24, 1712. 

To  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Weathersfield  now  met  in 
town  meeting. 

The  petition  of  those  that  now  inhabit  in  the  west  divis- 
ions of  lands  in  the  said  Weathersfield,  with  others  that  are 
proprietors  therein.  The  good  Providence  of  God  having 
cast  our  lot  here  in  this  place.  And  we  being  willing  for  our- 
selves and  of  ours  to  serve  the  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  and 
finding  it  very  difficult  in  the  best  season  of  the  year,  with 
our  families,  to  atfend  the  public  worship  of  God  at  Weath- 
ersfield, and  at  many  seasons  very  difficult.  And  being  in- 
creased to  such  a  number  at  present  that  we  may  in  a  toler- 
able manner  be  capable  to  maintain  a  minister  amongst  us, 
with  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel,  do  earnestly  entreat  of 
the  said  town  that. they  would  compassionate  us  under  our 
difficulties,  (so  far  as  to  grant,)  that  we  may  be  a  distinct 
parish  for  the  carrying  on  the  worship  of  God  amongst  us. 
And  that  the  town  would  please  to  set  out  our  parish  bounds 
as  may  include  the  west  divisions  of  lands  in  Weathersfield, 
that  all  persons  inhabiting  within  the  said  bounds,  with  the 
lands  that  are  therein  improved,  may  be  obliged  to  pay  their 
proportion  to  all  charges  for  the  setting  up  and  maintaining 
the  worship  of  God  amongst  us.  And  herein  you,  the  said 
town,  would  be  pleased  to  gratify  our  desire  and  oblige  our 
persons  to  thankfulness  to  you.  This  is  the  earnest  desire  of 
us  the  subscribers,  inhabitants  and  proprietors  as  above. 

Ezekil  Buck,  Nathaniel  Churchel,  Abraham  Woren,  Jona- 
tlian  Buck,  Richard  Bordman,  Enock  Buck,  Ephraim  Wliaples, 
John  Whaples,  Joseph  Andrus,  Simon  Willard,  Benjamin 
Andrus,  Jolm  Stoddar,  Joseph  Camp,  John  Camp,  Samuel 
Hun,  Natlianiel  Hun,  Eliphilit  Wliittlese,  Jonathan  Wright, 
Steven  Buck,  Jolm  Keley,  Steaven  Keley,  Daniel  Andrus, 


Jonathan  Hurlbut,  Jonathan  Buck,  Thomas  Molton,  Richard 
Beckly,  John  Deming,  Epliraim  Deming,  Jabez  Whittlese, 
Benjamin  Beckly." 

The  action  of  tlie  meeting  was  now  favorable  to  the  peti- 
tioners, as  recited  in  the  votes  passed  as  follows  : — 

"  At  this  meeting,  December  24th,  1712.  This  petition  as 
above  was  by  vote  granted  to  the  petitioners,  that  they  should 
be  a  distinct  parish  by  themselves  for  the  carrying  on  the 
worship  of  God  amongst  themselves.  And  it  was  also  by  vote 
agreed  and  consented  to,  that  the  aforesaid  petitioners  should 
be  discharged  from  paying  their  part  of  their  minister's  rate 
to  the  town  of  Weathersfield  when  once  they  have  attained  to 
those  abilities  that  they  can  maintain  the  worship  of  God 
among  themselves.  It  was  at  the  same  meeting  voted  and 
agreed,  that  Capt.  Joshua  Robbins,  Lieut.  Benjamin  Churchel, 
Mr.  Stillman,  Nathaniel  Stodder  and  Jacob  Griswould,  Sen., 
shall  be  a  committee  to  look  out  a  convenient  place  on  the 
commons  between  the  two  last  divisions,  whereon  the  west 
farmers  shall  erect  their  meeting  house  for  the  carrying  on 
the  worship  of  (God)  amongst  them.  And  to  make  return 
thereof  to  the  next  town  meeting." 

Thus  after  an  agitation  of  the  question  for  four  years  the 
town  of  Wethersfield  granted,  so  far  as  they  could,  to  the 
west  farmers,  their  cherished  desire  of  becoming  a  distinct 
parish.  But  this  step  involved  the  expense  of  building  a 
meeting  house  and  of  settling  a  minister,  necessarily  a  consid- 
erable tax  upon  the  slender  resources  of  the  community. 
And  the  grant  of  the  town  must  be  confirmed  by  the  General 
Assembly  to  enable  them  to  become  a  corporate  body,  with 
power  to  lay  and  levy  taxes  within  their  geographical  limits. 
The  next  session  of  the  General  Assembly  was  holden  at 
Hartford,  in  May,  1713,  and  the  following  petition  was 
presented  to  that  body. 

"  To  the  Honorable^  the  Greneral  Assemble/  now  holden  in  Hart- 
ford, May  14,  1713. 

May  it  please  this  Honorable  Court — Some  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Weathersfield,  particularly  those  dwelling  in  the  west- 
ern part  of  the  said  town,  near  the  borders  thereof,  being 
allowed  by  the  inhabitants  thereof  to  be  a  distinct  society  for 
the  public  worship  of  God  ;  the  dwellings  of  the  said  western 
inhabitants  being  remote  from  the  place  of  public  worship  in 
Weathersfield.     We,  the  subscribers,  in  the  behalf  of  the  ma- 


8 

jority  of  the  said  remote  dwellers,  pray  the  approbation  of  this 
honored  court,  that  they  sliould  be  such  a  distinct  society  for 
the  end  aforesaid,  and  that  they  may  be  furnished  with  powers 
for  doing  and  performing  what  is  or  may  be  needful  to  the 
•aforesaid  end  of  said  society,  particularly  that  they  may  be 
enabled  to  raise  and  levy  in  a  due  proportion  and  by  an  equal 
rule  the  necessary  costs  and  charges  for  the  said  end  on  all 
persons  inhabiting,  now  or  hereafter,  the  westward  part  near 
the  western  border  of  Weathersfield,  that  is  to  say,  two  miles 
and  fifty  rods  in  width  from  Farmington  township  eastward, 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Hartford  and  on  the  south  by  Mid- 
dletown,  and  on  their  ratable  estates  within  this  said  tract, 
and  also  on  the  appropriated  lands,  improved  and  unimproved, 
lying  in  the  said  tract  pertaining  to  others  dwelling  without 
the  said  limits,  as  well  as  on  the  improved  and  unimproved 
lands  of  those  that  dwell  within  the  said  tract,  unless  that 
right  would  that  the  improved  lands  of  those  which  dwell  not 
within  the  said  tract  should  be  taxed  lower  than  the  improved 
lands  of  those  that  inhabit  within  it,  the  latter  receiving  the 
greater  advantage  of  the  ministry  for  the  present.  All  of 
which  is  humbly  submitted. 

Jabez  Whittlesey,  )  Committee.    In  the  name  and 

.  John  Deming,  ^^^'^^^  "fj^'^  ^^'*  P'^P'^^" 

'  )        tors,  petitioners. 

There  were  nine  or  ten  families  "  dwelling  towards  the 
south-west  corner"  of  the  town,  at  the  south  end  of  the  pro- 
posed society,  who  attended  worship  at  the  Great  Swamp 
Society,  located  in  the  south-east  part  of  what  was  then  Farm- 
ington. These  families  bore  their  part  of  the  ministerial 
charge  in  the  town  of  Wethersfield,  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mix,  as 
by  law  they  were  obliged  to  do,  being  included  in  the  limits  of 
that  town,  but  they  did  not  wish  to  be  put  to  the  additional 
expense  of  helping  to  pay  for  the  settlement  of  a  new  minister 
and  the  building  of  a  meeting  house,  which  would  be  the  nat- 
ural result  of  the  formation  of  a  new  society,  within  whose 
geographical  limits  they  would  be  embraced. 

These  families,  then  known  as  the  Becklys,  opposed  the 
granting  of  a  charter  to  the  proposed  society.  They  presented 
to  the  General  Assembly  their  written  declaration,  dated  May 
15, 1713,  signed  by  Benjamin  Beckly,  Stephen  Kelsey,  Thomas 
Morton,  Jonathan  Buck,  Richard  Beckly,  and  Jonathan  Hurl- 


9 

but,  in  which  they  declare  that  they  did  not  desire  to  be 
"joined  or  included  in  said  society  with  those  inhabitants 
towards  the  northwest  part  of  said  township  of  Weathersfield," 
stating  that  some  of  them  were  "twice  so  near  to  the  meeting 
house  in  the  south-east  part  of  the  township  of  Farmington" 
as  to  the  place  appointed  by  the  committee  for  the  meeting 
house  in  the  new  society,  and  preferring  to  remain  as  they 
were.  They  appointed  Stephen  Kelsey  and  Jonathan  Hurl- 
but  a  committee  to  represent  them  before  the  Colonial  Legis- 
lature. They  also  presented,  a  paper,  entitled  "  An  account 
of  the  case  of  those  nine  or  ten  families  that  inhabit  toward 
the  south-west  corner  of  Weathersfield  bounds,  the  Beckleys 
and  those  about  them,"  which  contained  a  statement  in  detail 
of  the  grounds  of  their  opposition.  But  their  labor  was  in 
vain.  The  General  Assembly  granted  the  charter  by  the  fol- 
lowing resolution : — 

CHARTER. 

"  Upon  the  petition  of  divers  inhabitants  of  Wethersfield, 
dwelling  in  the  west  division  of  lands  on  the  borders  of  said 
town,  requesting  that  they  may  be  allowed  to  be  a  distinct 
parish  for  setting  up  the  public  worship  of  God  amongst  them. 
This  Assembly  allows  and  grants  the  said  petitioners  to  be  a 
distinct  parish,  for  the  public  worship  of  God,  according  to  the 
grant  of  the  town  of  Wethersfield.  Which  parish  is  contained 
within  these  following  limits,  that  is  to  say  :  Two  miles  and 
fifty  rods  in  width  from  Farmington  township,  eastward, 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Hartford,  and  on  the  south  by  Mid- 
dletown.  And  that  they  shall  be  discharged  from  paying 
their  dues  to  the  minister  of  the  town  of  Wethersfield,  when 
and  so  long  as  they  maintain  the  public  worship  of  God 
amongst  themselves."     (Conn.  Col.  Rdc.  1706-1716,  p.  374.) 

The  society  was  now  legally  established,  with  the  corporate 
powers  of  a  parish,  being  the  second  ecclesiastical  society  in 
the  town  of  Wethersfield.  Its  geographical  limits  formed  a 
parallelogram,  long  and  narrow,  extending  from  Hartford  to 
Middletown,  between  Farmington  on  the  west  and  Cedar 
Mountain  on  the  east,  making  a  natural  boundary  between 
the  new  and  old  societies  of  Wethersfield.  It  contained  two 
settlements,  one  comprising  the  great  majority  of  inhabitants 
located  towards  its  northern  extremity,  the  other  comprising 
2 


10 

the  Beckley  quarter  situated  on  its  southern  border.  The 
latter  community  were  dissatisfied  with  the  alliance.  They 
had  opposed  the  granting  of  the  charter.  Now  that  the  society 
was  a  fixed  fact  they  turned  their  attention  to  bringing  about 
their  own  separation  from  it,  and  their  union  with  Great 
Swamp  Society  where  they  attended  worship. 

For  some  years  there  had  been  more  or  less  controversy 
between  Wethersfield  and  Farmington  in  relation  to  the 
boundary  line  dividing  these  two  towns.  A  new  element  was 
now  introduced  to  still  further  complicate  the  matters  of  dis- 
pute. At  last,  after  nearly  two  years  had  passed  away,  the 
conclusion  arrived  at  between  those  in  Farmington  and  the 
West  Society  who  favored  the  Beckleys,  was,  that  an  exchange 
of  territory  would  best  heal  the  difficulty. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  West  Society  held 
April  4,  1715,  a  committee  was  appointed  who  favored  the 
exchange  policy,  consisting  of  Benjamin  Beckley,  John  Stod- 
dor,  Jonathan  Hurlbut,  and  Nathaniel  Churchel. 

They  immediately  began  to  treat  with  their  friends  in 
Farmington  who  were  to  be  annexed  to  the  West  Society  in 
compensation  for  the  annexation  of  the  Beckleys  to  the  Great 
Swamp  Society. 

The  terms  were  arranged  and  were  put  in  writing  in  a 
paper  which  was  signed  by  those  proprietors  in  Farmington 
who  consented  to  their  proposition,  as  follows  : — 

Consent  of  Farmington  Proprietors. 

Whereas,  on  April  7,  1715,  a  committee  from  the  Western- 
most Society  in  the  Township  of  Weathersfield,  and  sundry 
inhabitants  of  the  Southeastern  Society  in  Farmington,  have 
been  treating  with  us,  tlie  subscribers,  being  part  of  the  pro- 
prietors of  lands  lying  westward  of  the  divident  line  between 
said  Farmington  and  Weathersfield,  extending  to  the  north- 
ward of  the  bounds  of  the  Great  Swamp  Society,  in  order 
to  our  willingness  to  have  our  lands  and  estates  in  said  place 
released  from  ministerial  charge  in  the  Northward  Society  in 
Farmington  and  annexed  to  the  said  Westernmost  Society  in 
Weathersfield,  we,  the  said  proprietors,  do  hereby  signify  our 
willingness  to  said  motion,  upon  condition  that  we  and  our 
estates  shall  be  excused  from  any  rates  for  the  building  tlie 


11 

first  meeting-house,  and  from  all  charge  about  settling  the 
first  minister,  except  our  proportion  according  to  law,  with 
our  neighbors  in  said  Westernmost  Society  in  said  Weathers- 
field,  of  one  hundred  pounds,  as  money  if  needful,  for  the 
settlement  of  said  first  minister  in  said  place,  and  also  upon 
condition  that  the  meeting-house  in  said  Westernmost  Society 
of  Weathersfield  be  set  upon  the  plain  in  the  common  land, 
about  20  or  30  rods  to  the  northwestward  from  the  house 
formerly  belonging  to  Joseph  Andrus,  late  of  Weathersfield, 
deceased.  Thomas  Hart,  Sen. 

Jonathan  Smith,  Sen. 

Henry  Bird. 

John  Thompson. 

Thomas  Thompson. 

Daniel  Judd. 

Anthony  Judd. 

Jonathan  Smith,  Jun. 

John  Eggt. 

The  next  step  was  to  obtain  the  consent  to  this  arrange- 
ment of  the  society  in  Farmington  to  which  the  above  propri- 
etors belonged.  A  meeting  of  the  First  Society  of  Farming- 
ton  was  called,  and  was  held  April  11,  1715. 

To  this  meeting  the  Committee  of  the  West  Society  made 
a  formal  request  in  writing  that  the  above  agreement  might 
be  ratified  and  carried  out  by  the  First  Society.  The  docu- 
ment is  as  follows  : 

Committee's  Request  to  Farmington. 

Whereas,  some  of  the  proprietors  of  lands  within  the  Town- 
ship of  Farmington  in  a  division  against  Weathersfield  have 
signified  their  willingness  that  their  lands  in  said  place  shall 
be  released  from  ministerial  charge  in  the  Northward  Society 
of  Farmington  and  annexed  to  the  Westernmost  Society  in 
the  Township  of  Weathersfield,  upon  certain  conditions  men- 
tioned in  an  agreement  bearing  the  same  date  with  these  pres- 
ents. The  request  of  us,  the  subscribers,  a  committee  from 
the  Westernmost  Society  in  Weathersfield  to  the  Northward 
Society  in  Farmington,  met  April  11,  1715,  is  as  followeth: 

Tliat  the  said  Northward  Society  in  Farmington  will  please 
to  release  all  the  lands  in  the  division  against  Weathersfield, 
from  the  north  bounds  of  the  Society  of  the  Great  Swamp  to 
the  north  side  of  the  lot  in  said  division  which  belongs  to 


12 

the  heirs  of  Thomas  Stanley,  late  of  Farmington,  deceased, 
together  with  all  ratable  estate  thereto  belonging,  from  minis- 
terial charge  in  said  Northward  Society  in  Farmington,  in 
order  to  their  being  annexed  to  the  said  Westernmost  Society 
in  said  Weathersfield,  upon  the  conditions  mentioned  in  said 
agreement.     Signed  by  us. 

Benjamin  Beckley,     ^ 

John  Stoddor,  I  r<        '^^.^^ 

T  TT  >  Committee. 

Jonathan  Hurlbut,     f 

Nathaniel  Churchel,J 

April  7, 1715. 

The  request  was  favorably  received  and  acted  upon  by  the 
Northward  Society.     The  meeting  passed  the  following  vote  : 

"  The  Society  granted  a  liberty  to  the  proprietors  of  tlie 
several  lots  in  the  division  of  land  butting  upon  Weathers- 
field  Township,  from  the  south  side  of  John  Norton's  lot  on 
West  Plain  to  the  north  side  of  the  bounds  of  the  Great 
Swamp  Society,  to  annex  their  lots  and  estates  within  the 
said  bounds  to  the  society  granted  in  Weathersfield  west 
bounds,  provided  all  that  part  of  Wethersfield  West  Society 
from  the  north  side  of  Hurlbut's  lot  (and  to  include  the 
Kelsys)  to  Middletown  bounds,  comprising  the  Beckley's 
farm,  all  said  land  and  estates  be  annexed  to  the  Great 
Swamp  Society,  and  so  to  continue.  Yet  allowing  a  liberty 
to  any  such  persons,  when  any  other  ministerial  society[shall 
be  erected  nearer,  to  remove  to  said  society.  Upon  the  per- 
sons so  doing,  to  be  freed  from  all  ministerial  charge  in  the 
First  Society  in  Farmington,  arising  after  this  time,  for  said 
lands  and  estates  so  annexed." 

The  consent  of  the  Society  having  been  thus  given  to  the 
exchange,  nothing  was  now  needed  but  the  confirmation  of 
the  agreement  by  the  General  Assembly.  Accordingly  the 
following  petition  was  presented  to  that  body : 

Petition  to  the  General  Assembly. 

The   Petition   of  some   of  the   inhabitants   of  the  Western 
Society  of  the  Township  of  Weathersfield  to  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  begun  on  May  12, 
1715,  humbly  showeth : 
That,  whereas  at  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said 

Society,  holden  on  April  fourth,  sundry  persons  were  ap- 


13 

pointed  by  said  Society  a  committee  to  endeavor  an  exchange 
of  some  part  of  the  bounds  of  said  Society  to  make  it  more 
compact  together,  and  the  North  Society  in  the  Township  of 
Farmington  have  so  far  complied  with  the  motion  of  said 
committee  as  to  be  willing  that  a  certain  tract  of  land  in 
their  bounds  adjacent  to  the  main  bulk  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  Western  Society,  together  with  all  ratable  estate 
thereto  belonging  (as  by  the  act  of  said  society  may  more  fully 
appear),  should  be  released  from  ministerial  charge  among 
them,  upon  condition  that  the  southern  part  of  said  Western 
Society  in  Weathersfield  be  annexed  to  the  Southeastern  Soci- 
ety in  Farmington.  The  desire  and  request  of  the  subscrib- 
ers is  that  this  Honored  Court  will  please  to  perfect  and 
confirm  the  above  mentioned  exchange.  And  your  humble 
petitioners  shall  always  pray.  Benjamin  Beckley,  Richard 
Beckley,  Stephen  Kelsy,  Daniel  Andrus,  Jolm  Kellsy,  Jona- 
than Hurlbut,  John  Andrus,  Samuell  Hun,  Simon  Willard, 
Heze.  Deming,  John  Camp,  John  Stoddor,  Nathaniel  Church- 
ell,  Mindwell  Whaples,  James  Francis,  Benjamin  Andrus, 
Thomas  Francis^  Josiah  Willard,  Samuel  Churchell,  Thomas 
Morton,  Abigail  Camp,  Nathaniel  Stodder^  Jonathan  Stodder^ 
Isaac  Buck,  Joseph  Andrus. 

(The  names  in  italics  stricken  out.) 

But  there  was  a  large  and  very  respectable  number  of  per- 
sons in  Wetherstield  who  did  not  approve  of  the  policy  pro- 
posed. A  remonstrance  headed  by  Rev.  Stephen  Mix  and 
Rev.  Elisha  Williams,  the  latter  the  first  minister  of  the 
parish  some  years  later,  was  numerously  signed,  as  follows  : 

Remonstrance. 

We,  the  subscribers,  proprietors,  or  intrusted  with  the 
rights  of  minors  in  the  western  tract  of  Weathersfield,  al- 
lowed for  a  distinct  parish  or  Ecclesiastical  Society,  expres- 
sive of  our  dissent  from  the  project  of  uniting  of  a  part  of 
said  tract  to  Farmington  South  Society,  and  of  Farmington 
to  the  northward  part  of  our  Society,  as  subversive  to  the 
said  Society,  have  hereto  subjoined  our  names.  Stephen 
Micks,  Elisha  Williams,  James  Treat,  Thomas  Wells,  Joshua 
Robins,  Joshua  Robbins,  2d,  Josiah  Deming,  Ebenezer  Dick- 
inson, Jonathan  Bolding,  Daniel  Warner,  Joseph  Hurlbutt, 
Michaell  Griswould,  David  Wright,  Samuel  Wright,  Jona- 
than Goodrich,  Jacob  Griswold,  Joseph  Killburn,  John  Rose, 


14 

Robert  Wells,  Bbenezer  Deming,  Gideon  Wells,  Benjamin 
Belding,  Thomas  Wright,  Elizabeth  Curtis,  wid.,  Samuel 
Benton,  Nathaniel  Nott,  Daniel  Bordman,  Richard  Robbins, 
Hannah  Chester,  Mary  Chester,  Ephraim  Goodrich,  Sarah 
Kilborn,  Sarah  Chester,  Mercy  Chester,  William  Warner, 
Ehzabeth  Warner,  wid.,  Joseph  Wells,  Josiah  Bellding,  Sam- 
uel Dix,  Samuel  Bird,  Jun.,  Abigail  Lattimore,  Thomas  Stand- 
dish,  John  Deming,  John  Deming,  Stephen  Lusk,  John  Gris- 
wold,  Abraham  Woren,  Ephraim  Deming,  Ezekel  Crab  (?) 
(an  inhabitant  not  proprietor),  Richard  Boardman,  Jona- 
than Buck,  Jabez  Whittelsey,  Eliphelet  Whittelsey,  Jonathan 
Wright. 

But  the  Beckleys  and  those  interested  with  them  in  secur- 
ing their  annexation  to  the  Great  Swamp  Society,  for  the 
encouragement  of  their  project  executed  a  bond,  for  the  pay- 
ment of  fifty  pounds  to  the  West  Society  in  case  the  an- 
nexation should  be  granted  by  the  Colonial  Legislature.  This 
bond  was  presented  to  the  Assembly  and  lodged  on  file  in  the 
office  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Colony  at  Hartford.  It  is  as 
follows : 

Bond  Lodged  in  the  Secretary's  Office. 

Whereas,  sometime  in  April  last,  at  a  meeting  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  Western  Society  in  the  Township  of 
Weathersfield,  in  the  County  of  Hartford,  and  Colony  of 
Connecticut,  in  New  England,  a  committee  were  appointed 
by  said  Society  to  endeavor  an  exchange  of  some  part  of  the 
bounds  of  said  Society;  for  the  encouragement  of  said  ex- 
change, and  upon  condition  that  all  the  lands  in  said  West- 
ward Society  in  Weathersfield  southward  of  the  home  lots  of 
Stephen  Kelsey  and  Jonathan  Hurlbut  inclusively  (compre- 
hending said  home  lots  and  Beckley's  farm),  and  all  the  per- 
sons and  estate  either  now  or  hereafter  belonging  to  the 
southward  part  of  said  Society  within  the  limits  above  men- 
tioned, may  be  wholly  released  from  ministerial  charge  in 
their  own  Township,  and  annexed  to  the  Southeastern  Soci- 
ety in  the  Township  of  Farmington,  in  the  County  aforesaid, 
by  order  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony ;  we,  the 
subscribers,  inhabitants  of  the  said  Township  of  Weathers- 
field, do  hereby  covenant  and  promise  to  and  with  our  neigh- 
bors in  said  Western  Society  in  the  Township  of  Weathers- 
field, in  manner  following :  That  is  to  say,  that  we  will  do 
our  proportion  with  our  neighbors  there  of  building  the  first 


16 

meeting-house  among  them,  except  what  is  already  done  to 
said  meeting-house,  and  also  pay  to  the  said  Western  Society, 
or  to  any  that  shall  legally  represent  them,  upon  demand 
thereof,  the  full  sum  of  fifty  pounds  in  current  money  of 
New  England,  or  bills  of  credit,  or  that  which  is  equivalent 
thereto,  in  manner  following:  That  is  to  say,  twelve  pounds 
and  ten  shillings  witliin  one  year  after  the  date  of  these  pres- 
ents, also  twelve  pounds  and  ten  shillings  more  within  two 
years,  and  twelve  pounds  and  ten  shillings  more  within  three 
years,  and  twelve  pounds  and  ten  shillings  more  within  four 
years  after  the  date  of  these  presents,  which  above  said  fifty 
pounds  is  to  be  borne  by  us,  the  subscribers,  according  to  the 
lists  of  our  estates ;  and  to  the  faithful  performance  of  the 
above  written  agreement  we,  the  subscribers,  do  hereby  bind 
ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors  and  administrators  firmly  by 
these  presents,  both  jointly  and  severally. 
In  witness  whereof  we  have  heremito  set  our  hands  and  seals, 
this  thirteenth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifteen. 

Benjamin  Beckley.  [l.  s.] 
Daniel  Andrus.  [l.  s.] 

Stephen  Kelsy.  [l.  s.] 

Jonathan  Hurlbut.  [l.  s.] 
Richard  Beckley.  [l.  s.] 
John  Kellsy.  [l.  s.] 

John  Andrus.  [l.  s.] 

Daniel  Beckley.         [l.  s.] 

Upon  the  presentation  of  these  papers  to  the  General 
Assembly  they  took  no  further  action  than  to  appoint  Joseph 
Talcot,  Esq.,  Col.  William  Whiting,  and  Capt.  Aaron  Cooke 
a  committee  to  "go  upon  the  place"  to  effect  a  settlement  if 
possible  between  the  parties  ;  if  this  were  impossible,  to  fix 
upon  a  site  for  the  meeting-house,  consider  the  subject  of  the 
exchange,  and  report  at  the  next  October  session  of  the 
Assembly  (Conn.  Col.  Rec.  1706-1716,  p.  499). 

Two  of  the  Committee  performed  the  duty  assigned  to 
them,  and  made  the  following  report  at  the  October  session 
of  the  Assembly,  1715,  held  at  New  Haven. 


16 


Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Assembly. 

We,  the  subscribers  hereunto,  being  appointed  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  holden  at  Hartford,  May  13,  1715,  to  go  to  the 
West  Farms  in  Weathersfield,  to  endeavor  to  br^ng  the  people 
there  to  an  agreement  and  accommodation  between  the  peti- 
tioners and  other  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  West  Society  in 
Weathersfield,  in  respect  to  an  exchange  of  the  south  part 
or  southwest  corner  of  Weathersfield  West  Society  to  the 
Great  Swamp  Society  in  Farmington,  and  for  an  addition  of  a 
part  of  Farmington  Old  Society  to  the  foresaid  West  Society 
in  Weathersfield,  and  any  other  thing  that  the  situation  of 
the  lands  and  convenience  or  inconvenience  of  the  exchange 
aforesaid,  and  place  of  setting  the  meeting-house,  and  any 
other  things  that  may  conduce  to  the  peace  and  good  settle- 
ment of  said  society,  and  make  report  to  this  Assembly  in 
October  next. 

We  have  accordingly  been  upon  the  spot  and  called  together 
before  us  said  inhabitants,  and  have  endeavored  an  agreement 
between  them,  which  proved  ineffectual,  have  also  had  a  map 
of  said  lands  laid  before  us,  and  upon  the  whole  of  our  inquiry 
do  conclude  and  report  to  this  Assembly  that  we  judge  the 
best  regulation  of  that  affair,  and  that  which  will  conduce 
most  to  the  weal  and  convenience  of  said  people  that  do  or 
may  inhabit  there,  that  the  exchange  of  land  between  Weath- 
ersfield West  Society  and  Farmington,  laid  before  the  Assem- 
bly in  May  last,  be  confirmed,  and  that  the  meeting-house 
place  for  the  West  Society  in  Weathersfield  be  on  the  Com- 
mons or  common  land  near  Dea.  Joseph  Andros's  house, 
within  about  twenty  or  thirty  rods  of  said  house,  and  that  the 
southwest  corner  of  Weathersfield  help  build  the  meeting- 
house at  the  said  West  Farms,  and  pay  50  pounds  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  West  Society  in  Weathersfield,  according  to  their 
agreement  upon  file  in  the  Secretary's  office,  and  that  the  lands, 
stocks  and  heads  belonging  to  that  part  of  Farmington  now 
added  to  Weathersfield  West  Society  shall  be  annexed  to 
them,  said  Weathersfield  West  Farms,  and  be  obliged  to  pay 
to  the  sujtport  of  all  ministerial  charges  there  in  equal  pro- 
portion with  the  rest  of  the  said  West  Society. 

Joseph  Tallcott. 
Aaron  Cooke. 

The  General  Assembly  accepted  the  report,  and  passed  an 
act  to  carry  it  into  efifect,  annexing  to  the  Great  Swamp  Soci- 
ety that  part  of  the  West  Society  "  From  the  north  side  of 


17 

Hurlbut's  lot  and  the  north  side  of  Stephen  and  John  Kel- 
sey's  lands  to  Middletown  bounds,  including  the  Beckley's 
land."  And  requiring  them  to  pay  the  fifty  pounds  bond  and 
help  finish  the  meeting-house  in  the  West  Society.  Also 
annexing  to  the  West  Society  "  All  the  land  in  the  several 
lots  in  Farmington  bounds  from  the  south  side  of  John  Nor- 
ton's lot  on  Wolf  Plain  to  the  north  side  of  the  bounds  of 
the  Great  Swamp."     (Conn.  Col.  Rec.  1706-1716,  p.  532.) 

The  Great  Swamp  Society  was  in  1722  named  Kensington. 
(Conn.  Col.  Rec.  1717-1725,  p.  316.)  And  the  territory 
taken  from  the  West  Society  of  Wethersfield  in  the  manner 
detailed  was  wholly  lost  to  Wethersfield,  and  now  forms  a 
part  of  the  town  of  Berlin,  which  was  incorporated  May, 
1785. 

The  West  Society  of  Wethersfield  was  now  established  in 
more  compact  form,  so  far  as  its  geographical  limits  were 
concerned,  than  when  it  was  first  chartered.  Those  of  its 
former  inhabitants  who  had  formed  an  element  of  discord 
had  departed  in  peace.  It  was  now  ready  to  build  a  meeting- 
house preparatory  to  settle  a  minister,  and  to  enter  upon  a 
career  more  favorable  to  its  harmony  and  prosperity.  The  So- 
ciety became  better  organized.  The  next  year,  1716,  it  began 
to  keep  a  record  of  its  Society  meetings.  The  next  ten  years 
witnessed  the  building  of  the  meeting-house,  the  formation  of 
a  church,  the  settlement  of  the  first  minister.  Rev.  Elisha  Wil- 
liams, the  naming  of  the  parish  Newingtou,  and  the  close  of 
Mr.  Williams'  ministry,  in  1726,  by  reason  of  his  being 
chosen  Rector  of  Yale  College.  This  record  still  exists,  but 
in  a  state  of  decay ;  it  is  worth  preservation.  It  tells  the 
story  of  the  life  of  the  parish  during  these  years  more  truly 
than  a  brief  condensation  could  do. 


THE  FIRST 


BOOK  OF  RECOKDS 


FOR 


NEWmGTOI^  PARISH,  OF  WETITERSFIELl). 


April  S,  1716. 

At  a  Society  meeting  lawfully  assembled  and  held  at  the  dwelling  bouse 
of  James  Francis,  in  the  westwardmost  society  in  Wethei'sfield,  upon  the 
5th  day  of  April  in  the  year  1716,  it  was  voted  and  acted  as  followeth  : 
We  then  chose  Josiah  Willard,  clerk  of  the  West  Society.  It  was*voted 
to  raise  our  meeting  house  in  this  instant  month  April,  and  also  that  the 
said  meeting  house  should  be  raised  within  a  few  rods  of  the  place  where 
the  timber  now  lies.  John  Stoddard,  Saral.  Hunn,  Stephen  Buck  were 
chosen  a  committee  to  take  care  to  raise,  (and)  provide  for  the  raising  of, 
the  said  meeting  house  :  to  act  according  to  the  best  of  their  discretion  for 
the  public  interest. 

May  S,  1716. 

At  a  Society  meeting  lawfully  assembled,  and  held  upon  May  the  6th, 
1716,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Francis  in  the  westwardmost  society 
of  Weathersfield,  it  was  voted  and  acted  as  followeth,  viz.  to  say,  John 
Stodderd  and  Samuel  Hunn,  Stephen  Buck,  chosen  a  committee  to  take 
care  to  cover  the  meeting  house  that  was  of  late  raised  in  the  westward- 
most  society  in  Wethersfield,  to  take  care  to  provide  all  things  necessary 
for  said  work  that  belongs  to  that  meeting  house,  to  act  according  to  the 
best  of  their  discretion  for  the  public  interest.  It  was  voted  that  the  same 
committee  should  underpin  the  said  house. 

At  the  same  meeting  Josiah  Willard  was  chosen  and  empowered  to 
demand  and  receive  the  money  that  is  due  from  our  neighbors  by  the  bond 
lodged  in  the  Secretary's  Office  ;*  from  the  persons  concerned  or  so  bound 

*  That  Mr.  Willard  eiitered  upon  the  discharge  of  this  duty  appears  from  the 
following  receipt  given  by  him — "  Whereas  I,  Josiah  Willard,  at  a  Society  meet- 
ing lawfully  assembled  and  held  upon  the  15th  CStli  ?)  day  of  May,  1716,  at  the 
dwelling  house  of  James  Francis,  in  the  Westwardmost  Society  of  Wethersfield, 
was  chosen  and  empowered  to  receive  the  money  diie  from  several  of  our  neigh- 
bors upon  the  account  of  the  bond  that  is  lodged  in  the  Secretary's  office. 
Received  this  20  day  of  March,  1717,  of  Mr.  Daniel  Beckley,  the  just  sum  of 
twelve  shillings  due  upon  the  account  of  the  fifty  pound  bond  lodged  in  the 
Secretary's  Office,  I  say  received  by  me 

Josiah  Willard. 


19 

to  the   Society,  the  above  said  Josiah  Willard  is  to  demand,  receive  and 
keep  and  deliver  to  the  society  the  said  money  at  their  demand. 

Dec.  2,    1717. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  v?est  society  of  Wethersfield  December  the  2nd  day 
1717,  being  lawfully  warned  :  at  this  meeting  it  was.  voted  and  agreed, 
that  there  should  be  a  rate  raised  on  all  our  polls  and  ratable  estate  to 
raise  money  to  defray  the  charge  of  the  General  (2)  Com-t  to  the  obtain- 
ing our  first  grant  for  a  society,  and  also  to  defray,  all  the  charge  already 
laid  out  about  our  meeting  house  ;  always  provided  and  to  be  understood, 
that  all  those  that  have  done  more  work  than  their  neighbors  about  the 
meeting  house,  shall  stay  for  their  pay  for  the  space  of  one  year,  to  or  till 
others  of  their  neighbors  have  come  even  with  them  in  their  labor,  accord- 
ing as  others  that  have  already  wrought  at  the  meeting  house,  as  to  the 
price  of  their  labor  by  the  day  or  otherwise. 

At  the  same  meeting  it  was  also  voted,  that  all  men  that  labored  at  the 
meeting  house  shall  have  three  shillings  per  day,  from  the  first  day  of 
March  till  the  first  day  of  September  for  the  time  past,  and  so  annually  for 
the  time  to  come,  and  from  the  1st  day  of  September  till  the  1st  day  of 
March,  they  shall  have  two  shillings  per  day,  and  also  a  man  and  team 
that  is  good  and  well  fitted  shall  have  six  shillings  per  day,  from  the  first 
day  of  March  till  the  first  day  of  September,  and  from  the  1st  day  of  Sep- 
tember till  the  1st  day  of  March  a  man  and  team  shall  have  four  shillings 
per  day. 

At  the  same  (meeting)  it  was  voted  that  Abraham  Woring,*  James 
Francis  and  Josiah  Willard,  or  any  two  of  them,  shall  be  a  committee  to 
adjust  and  account  with  those  that  have  laid  out  money  or  done  any  labor 
about  our  meeting  house,  or  about  the  concerns  of  our  society,  and  also  to 
get  a  true  list  of  our  effects,  and  make  a  rate  to  defray  the  charge  as  above 
said  :  this  is  to  be  done  upon  the  present  list. 

At  the  same  meeting  Caleb  Androus  was  chosen  collector  to  gather  the 
rates  when  made  as  above  said. 

At  the  same  meeting  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  Joseph  Androus  and  John 
Deming  were  chosen  a  committee  to  manage  the  prudentials  of  our  Society 
about  our  meeting  house  or  other  things  needful  for  the  year  ensuing,  with 
as  full  power  as  the  selectmen  in  the  town. 

At  the  same  meeting  Josiah  Willard  was  chosen  clerk  and  sworn. 

Dee.  IS,  1718. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newingtonf  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  15th  day  of  December  1718  (3)  voted  and 
agreed,  Josiah  Willard  chosen  clerk  and  sworn. 

Also  voted,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  Mr.  James  Patterson,  James  Francis 
a  committee  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  Society  about  our  meeting 
house  or  other  things  needful  for  the  year  ensuing,  with  as  full  power  as 
selectmen  of  a  town. 

Also  voted  that  our  committee  for  the  year  ensuing  are  impowered  to 
receive  and  allow  any  further  amounts  that  are  just,  and  shall  add  them 
to  the  Society  debts  already  brought  in. 

Also  voted,  granted  a  rate  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  in  this  Society 

*  Woren  was  the  way  he  spelled  his  name  himself,  now  written  Warren.  The 
spelling  of  the  original  records  as  to  names  has  been  retained  in  all  cases. 

t  This  is  the  first  mention  of  the  word  Newington  in  any  records.  It  is  said 
to  have  been  so  called  "  out  of  regard  to  the  place  of  Dr.  Watts's  residence  near 
London."     (See  Dr.  Brace's  Dis.,  65.) 


20 

for  the  payment  of  all  debts  allowed  by  our  committee,  it  is  to  be  under- 
stood only  the  charges  already  passed. 

Also  voted,  Samuel  Hunn  collector  to  gather  our  society  rates  when 
made  as  above  directed. 

January  IS,  1719. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  15th  of  January,  1719-20,  it  was  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth  : 

Voted,  Jabezeth  Whittlesey,  John  Deming,  Samuel  Hunn  a  committee 
to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  Society  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  to  call  a  minister  to  preach  with  us  until  the  last  of  March 
next  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  John  Stoddard,  Abraham  Woring  a  committee  to  treat  with 
Mr.  Nathanel  Burnham  to  come  and  preach  with  us. 

May  6,  1719. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  sixth  day  of  May,  1719,  voted  and  agreed  to 
petition  to  the  General  Assembly  for  a  repeal  of  that  act  concerning  an 
exchange  between  some  part  of  the  bounds  of  Farmington  and  Wethers- 
field. 

Also  voted,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  agent  to  go  with  a  petition  to  the 
General  Assembly.* 

April6,  1720. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfiiUy 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  6th  day  of  April,  1720,  it  was  voted  as  fol- 
loweth :  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  Abraham  Woring,  a  committee  to  treat 
with  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  to  come  and  be  our  minister  in  Newington. 

April  21,  1720. 

(4)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish' 
lawfully  assembled  and  held  upon  the  21st  day  of  April,  1720,  voted  and 
agreed :  To  get  hewed  plank  and  lay  a  floor  in  our  meeting-house,  and  to 
get  window-frames  and  glass  for  the  lower  tier  of  windows,  and  also  to 
make  doors  for  our  meeting-house. 

Also,  Richard  Borman,  Isaac  Buck,  Abraham  Woring,  a  committee  to 
lay  a  floor  in  our  meeting-house,  and  to  make  doors.  Also  voted,  Jabez- 
eth Whittelsey,  Samuel  Hunn,  a  committee  to  get  window-frames,  glass, 
hooks,  and  hinges  for  our  meeting-house  doors. 

May  3,  1720. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon  the 
8d  day  of  May,  1720,  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth  :  Whereas,  through 
defect  of  warning,  our  votes  on  the  21st  day  of  April  last  are  of  no  eflect, 
now  voted,  that  all  of  the  votes  passed  by  us  on  the  21st  day  of  April  last 
be  good  and  valuable  respecting  our  meeting-house,  except  that  of  getting 
hewed  planks  to  lay  a  floor ;  also  voted  to  get  two  summers  f  and  joists, 
and  to  buy  one  thousand  and  half  of  pine  boards  for  the  floor  of  our  meet- 

*This  petition  was  not  granted.     (6  Conn.  Col.  Rec.,  116.) 
t  The  summer  is  the  technical  name  of  the  large  central  beam  that  supports  the 
joists,  seen  in  old  buildings. 


21 

ing  house.     Also  voted,  Dea.  Joseph  Androus  and  James  Francis  a  com- 
mittee to  buy  boards. 

Augusts,  1720. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon  the 
5th  day  of  August,  1720,  voted  and  agreed  as  foUoweth:  We  did  make 
choice  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  (to)  be  our  minister. 

Also  voted  and  empowered  Jabezeth  Whittelsey  and  Abraham  Woring 
our  committee  to  go  and  treat  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  to  be 
our  minister,  and  agree  with  him  as  to  a  settlement  and  maintenance  ac- 
cording to  the  best  of  their  discretion,  and  make  return  to  this  society. 

September  18,  1720. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon  15th 
day  of  September,  1720,  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth  :  To  make  hollow 
walls  to  our  meeting-house.  Samuel  Hunn,  John  Stoddard,  and  Isaac 
Buck  a  committee  to  lath  and  plaster  said  walls. 

Also  voted,  Dea.  Joseph  Androus,  James  Francis  a  committee  to  lay  a 
floor  in  our  meeting-house. 

December  6,  1720. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon  the 
sixth  day  of  December,  1720,  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth:  Samuel 
Hunn,  Abraham  Woring,  and  John  Deming,  a  committee  to  order  the  pru- 
dentials of  our  society  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  Samuel  Hunn,  John  Camp,  a  committee  to  treat  (5)  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  AVilliams,  in  order  to  a  settlement,  and  make  return  to 
this  Society ;  and  endeavor  with  the  town  to  get  a  piece  of  land  for  our 
minister,  by  gift,  or  by  exchange,  or  by  purchase,  according  as  they  shall 
be  most  likely  to  obtain  it,  to  act  according  to  the  best  of  their  discretion. 

December  21,  1720. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  21st  day  of  December,  1720,  it  was  voted 
and  agreed  to  give  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  one  hundred  and  seventy 
pounds  for  a  settlement,  for  and  in  consideration  that  he  will  be  our  minis- 
ter, which  is  to  be  paid  in  money  or  labor  done  to  building  him  a  house, 
to  be  paid  in  two  years  after  this  present  date,  and  he  shall  also  have  that 
money  that  is  subscribed  or  shall  be  subscribed  in  the  time.* 

Also  voted,  to  give  to  him  two  days'  work  in  a  year  of  every  man 
that  is  or  shall  be  in  this  Society,  from  sixteen  years  old  and  upwards, 
capable  of  labor,  for  the  space  of  five  years  ensuing  this  date,  which  labor 
is  to  be  done  half  in  the  summer  and  half  in  the  winter,  yearly. 

Also  voted,  to  give  Mr.  Williams,  for  his  salary  fifty  pounds  the  two  first 
years,  and  so  to  rise  two  pounds  a  year  until  we  come  to  seventy  pounds 
per  year,  and  so  to  continue  so  long  as  he  continues  in  the  work  of  the 
ministry  with  us.  Also  voted,  to  raise  a  rate  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate  to  pay  Mr.  Williams  from  the  time  of  his  first  coming  unto  the  last 

*Thi8  house  was  not  the  property  of  the  Society,  but  belonged  to  Mr.  Williams. 
It  afterwards  came  into  the  possession  of  the  Kellogg  family,  and  so  continued 
till  it  was  destroyed  by  fire,  in  1872. 


22 

of  March,  in  proportion  to  a  rate  of  fifty  pounds  a  year,  and  then  to  begin 
the  year  with  Mr.  Williams.* 

Also  voted,  that  a  Society  rate  granted  the  i5th  of  December,  1718, 
shall  stand  in  force  and  be  collected. 

Also  voted,  to  raise  a  rate  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  to  defray  all 
the  charge  or  debts  raised  in  our  society  since. 

Also  voted,  that  Samuel  Hunn,  John  Deming,  Abraham  Woring  to  re- 
ceive, accept  any  just  accounts  that  are  behind  and  not  yet  brought  in, 
and  to  make  a  rate  to  defray  them. 

Also  voted,  Richard  Borman  and  Abraham  Woring  collectors  to  gather 
our  minister  and  society  rates. 

January  4,  1721. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  by  an  adjournment  from  the  21st  of  December,  1720, 
to  the  4th  day  of  January,  1720-21. 

Voted  and  agreed  as  followeth  :  For  a  man  to  have  2s.  6d.  per  day  from 
this  time  to  the  1st  of  March,  and  for  a  man  and  team  to  have  five  shillings 
per  day  to  work  at  Mr.  Williams'  house. 

Also  voted,  Isaac  Buck,  Hezekiah  Deming  and  Abraham  Woring  a 
committee  to  take  care  of  the  building  of  Mr.  Williams's  house  (6)  to  see 
who  labors  and  who  does  not,  and  keep  an  account. 

Also  voted,  Samuel  Hunn,  John  Camp  a  committee  in  behalf  of  the 
Society,  to  make  demand  of  the  fifty  pounds  due  by  bond  from  those 
persons  included  (in)  the  bond  and  annexed  to  Farmington  :  that  is  to 
say,  Benjamin  Beckley,  Daniel  Androus,  Stephen  Kellsey,  Richard  Beck- 
ley,  John  Androus,  John  Kellsey,  Jonathan  Hurlburt,  Daniel  Beckley ; 
this  committee  is  also  empowered  upon  neglect  or  refusal  to  sue  for  the 
money  due  by  the  above  said  bond  from  those  persons  that  are  bound,  viz. 
Benjamin  Beckley,  &c. 

February  16,  1721. 

At  a  Society  meeting  (of)  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon 
16th  of  February,  1720-21,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth :  granted 
to  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  liberty  to  make  a  seat  or  pew  for  his  family  in  our 
meeting  house. 

Also  voted,  to  pay  Mr.  Williams'  rate  in  grain  at  the  pi'ice  as  followeth, 
viz  :  Wheat  at  five  shillings  per  bushel,  rye  at  three  shillings  and  four 
pence  per  bushel,  Indian  corn  at  two  shillings  four  pence  per  bushel. 

Also  voted,  for  the  payment  of  the  fifty  pound  bond  due  from  Benjamin 
Beckley,  Daniel  Androus,  Stephen  Kellsey,  Richard  Beckley,  John  An- 
drous, John  Kellsey,  Jonathan  Hurlburt,  Daniel  Beckley,  that  wheat  should 
be  five  shillings  per  bushel,  rye  at  3s.  6d.  per  bushel,  Indian  corn  at  2s.  6d. 
per  bushel. 

May  lO,  1721. 

At  a  Society  meeting  (of)  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  10th  day  of  May,  1721,  it  was  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth,  to  petition  to  the  General  Assembly  for  some  relief, 
that  they  would  grant  to  us  our  country  rate  or  grant  a  tax  on  all  land  un- 
improved, belonging  to  proprietors  ;  and  that  the  Court  would  grant  that 


*  It  would  seem  from  this  vote  that  Mr.  Williams  had  preached  for  some  time 
before  this.  (See  the  votes  passed  January  15,  1719,  April  6,  1720,  and  August 
5, 1720.)  Mr.  Nathaniel  Burniiam  had  certainly  preacliod  before  this  time.  (See 
Dr.  Brace's  Half  Century  Discourse,  pp.  10,  II.) 


our  four  public   training  days  for  some  time  might  be  improved  in  the 
public  service  of  our  society. 

Also  voted,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey  agent  to  go  to  the  General  Court  with 
the  above  vote  and  manage  it  according  to  the  best  of  his  discretion.* 

June  26,  1721. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held,  upon  the  26th  of  June  1721,  voted  and  agreed  as 
folio weth : 

Samuel  Hunn,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  Richard  Borman,  Samuel  Churchel 
should  undertake  to  make  twenty  thousand  bricks  for  Mr.  Elisha  Wil- 
liams, to  take  the  care,  and  provide  hands  and  all  things  for  said  work. 

December  13,  1721. 

(7)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  law- 
fully assembled  and  held  upon  the  13th  day  of  December,  1721,  it  was 
voted  and  agreed  as  followeth  : 

Mr.  James  Patterson,  Ephraim  Deming,  Richard. Borman,  a  committee 
to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  Society  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted  Jebezeth  Whittelsey,  Caleb  Androus  collectors  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Also  voted,  for  a  man  to  have  three  shillings -per  day  from  the  first  of 
March  to  the  first  of  September,  and  from  the  first  of  September  to  the 
first  of  March  two  shillings  and  six  pence  per  day,  and  for  man  and  team 
shall  have  six  shillings  from  the  first  of  Majch  to  the  first  of  September, 
and  from  the  first  of  September  to  the  first  of  March  five  shillings  per  day, 
for  labor  already  done  to  Mr.  Williams'  house  or  yet  to  be  done. 

Also  voted.  Granted  a  rate  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate, 
of  the  present  list  of  our  Society,   to   pay  the  one  hundred  and  seventy 
pounds  granted  to   Mr.  Elisha  Williams  for  a  settlement  December  21, 
1720. 
—  . 

♦  Mr.  Whittelsey  immediately  attended  to  this  duty,  as  appears  by  the  fol- 
lowing petition : 

"  To  the  Honorable,  the  present    General  Assembly  at  Hartford,  May,  A.  D. 

1721. 

'Ihe  prayer  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  West  Society  in  Weathersfield  implores 
the  indulgence  of  the  Court,  that  the  said  Society  may  be  exempted  from 
Country  Kates  by  the  space  of  four  years  as  other  new  poor  places  have  been. 
That  a  reasonable  tax  for  a  reasonable  time  may  be  laid  on  their  unimproved 
lands.  That  their  training  days  may  be  turned  into  days  of  public  service  of  the 
Society,  at  the  discretion  of  such  officers  as  the  Society  shall  from  year  to  year 
for  that  end  appoint ;  and  all  training  soldiers  and  officers  obliged  to  attend  the 
same  imder  suitable  penalties  by  the  space  of  the  above  said  four  years.  And 
finally  that  the  said  society  may  be  named  and  called  Newington. 

And  your  poor  petitioners,  as  in  duty  ^bound,  shall  ever  pray. 

JABEZ  WHITTELSEY, 

For  the  Society. 

The  Assembly  granted  "  That  the  said  Society  raise  a  tax  annually  on  all  the 
land  in  the  said  parish  or  society  that  by  law  is  not  ratable,  of  ten  shillings  per 
the  hundred  acres,  and  pro  rata  for  greater  or  lesser  parcels,  for  the  term  of  four 
years  next  coming  ;  and  that  the  said  society  or  parish  be  called  Newington." 
(6  Conn.  Col.  Rec,  p.  246.) 

This  was  passed  May  25,  1721.  One  hundred  and  fifty  years  afterwards  (July 
10,  1871)  Newington  was  incorporated  a  town. 


24 

Also  voted,  Granted  fifty  pounds,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate  in  our  Society,  for  Mr.  Elisha  Williams'  salary,  to  be  paid  in  money 
or  grain,  as  followeth,  viz.  wheat  at  5s.  4d.  per  bushel,  and  rye  at  Ss.  6d. 
per  bushel,  and  Indian  corn  2s.  lOd.  per  bushel. 

Also  voted,  to  build  a  "pulpit  in  our  meeting  house,  as  soon  as  we  can 
in  the  spring. 

Also  voted,  twenty  pounds  money  to  defray  the  charge  of  a  pulf)it. 

Also  voted,  Stephen  Buck,  Tho.  Frances,  Sam'l  Churchel,  Jonathan 
Stodderd,  Joseph  Benton  should  undertake  to  build  a  barn  for  Mr.  Elisha 
Williams,*  and  to  employ  those  men  that  are  behind  in  their  rate  of  170 
pounds  above  mentioned  as  him  or  them  and  they  can  agree,  viz,  Stephen 
Buck,  Thos.  Frances,  &c. 

February  8,  1722. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  on  the  8th  day  of  February,  1721-22,  voted  and  agreed 
that  Leonard  Dix  shall  have  two  pounds  out  of  the  treasury  or  (the)  fifty 
pounds  due  from  the  Beckleys. 

Also  voted,  that  the  remainder  of  the  fifty  pounds  and  the  tax  laid  on 
the  proprietors's  unimproved  land,  to  be  laid  out  in  our  meeting  house,  to 
build  a  pulpit  and  deacon  seat,  and  to  prepare  timber  and  nails  for  the 
finishing  the  lower  part  of  our  meeting  house,  and  to  proceed  as  far  as  we 
can  with  the  money  granted. 

Voted,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  Samuel  Hunn  and  Samuel  Churchel  a 
committee  to  take  care  and  proceed- to  do  the  work  above  mentioned  in 
our  meeting  house,  to  proceed  as  fiist  as  they  can  with  prudence,  also 
voted,  the  tax  put  into  our  minister's  rate  should  be  laid  out  and  improved 
as  above,  and  the  rate  made  on  ratable  estate. 

December  20,  1722. 

(8)     December  20  Day,  1722. 

That  the  Society  grant  the  money  of  the  tax  granted  by  the  Genert^l 
Assembly  on  the  unimproved  land  to  the  committee  for  the  finishing 
the  meeting  house  for  the  charge  that  is  past,  that  is,  so  much  of  it  as 
to  answer  the  same,  that  is  the  proprietors'  and  not  the  inhabitants' 
land,  the  galleries  is  exempted,  the  charge  of  them  for  this  year.  It  was 
voted  this  20th  day  of  December  1722.t 

September  S,  1722. 

At  a  Society  of  Newington  inhabitants  lawfully  assembled  and  held 
upon  the  fifth  day  of  September,  1722,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  ; 

That  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  shall  have  sixty  pounds  money  for  his  salary 
this  year  and  next  year,  and  next  year  he  shall  have  sixty-two  pounds, 
and  so  to  raise  two  pounds  a  year  for  the  space  of  ten  years,  which  will 
make  eighty  pounds,  and  so  to  continue  eighty  pounds  per  year  so  long  as 
he  continues  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  with  us. 

Also  voted,  that  Mr.  Williams'  rate  should  (be)  paid  by  the  last  of 
March  annually,  so  long  as  he  continues  to  be  our  minister.  (See  page 
the  5th.) 

*  Stephen  Kellsy  was  paid  for  eight  days  work  "  framing  Mr.  Williams' 
barn." 

t  Another  record  of  the  same  meeting  follows  in  its  order.  This  seems  to  be 
inserted  out  of  its  chronological  order. 


25 

Also  voted,  to  find  Mr.  Williams  his  wood  annually,  so  long  as  he  con- 
tinues in  the  work  of  (the)  ministry  with  us. 

Also  voted,  that  a  former  vote  bearing  date  the  December  21,  1720,  to 
give  Mr.  Williams  two  days  works  in  a  year  of  every  male  from  sixteen  to 
sixty  years  of  age,  shall  be  in  full  force  and  virtue,  and  if  any  man  in  our 
Society  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  do  the  two  days  labor  in  the  vote  above 
mentioned  (he)  shall  pay  three  shillings  for  the  summer's  day  and  two 
shillings  six  pence  for  a  winter's  day,  and  (it)  shall  be  gathered  by  the 
collectors  annually. 

Also  voted  Jabesh  Whittelsey  moderator  for  this  meeting,  and  if  any 
man  shall  presume  to  speak  without  liberty  (he)  shall  forfeit  the  sum 
of  ©ne  shilling. 

Also  it  was  voted  that  if  Mr.  May*  would  make  window  frames  for 
the  lower  part  of  our  meeting  house,  and  Mr.  Kelloug  make  the  glass 
(?)  for  wood,  then  to  take  the  windows  that  (are)  now  below  and  put 
them  up  in  the  upper  part  of  our  meeting  house. 

Also  voted,  Richard  Borman,  Ebenezer  Kilburn,  James  Francis, 
Isaac  Buck,  should  keep  a  public  house  of  entertainment  on  the  day  of 
the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams. 

September  12,  1722. 

(9.)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish 
lawfully  assembled  and  held  upon  12th  day  of  September,  1722,  voted, 
and  agreed  as  foUoweth  : 

It  was  voted,  having  had  some  considerable  experience  of  his  life 
&c.,  we  do  make  choice  by  a  full  vote  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams 
to  be  our  minister  and  pastor. 

Also  voted,  to  keep  Wednesday  the  3rd  day  of  October  next  ensu- 
ing as  a  fast,  to  implore  divine  assistance  of  God  in  gathering  a  church 
of  Christ  here,  and  in  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams. 

Also  voted  and  made  choice  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stephen  Mix,  of 
Wethersfield,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Whitman,  of  Farmington,  to  assist  on 
the  day  of  fasting  as  above  mentioned,  Mr.  James  Patterson  and  John 
Deming  to  go  to  the  ministers  above  said  and  to  intreat  them  to  come 
and  help  us.f 

Also  voted,  that  the  third  Wednesday  the  1 7th  day  of  October  next 
ensuing  to  be  the  day  of  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Wil- 
liams. 

Also  voted,  Dea.  Joseph  Androus,  Jabezeth  Wittelsey,  Joseph  Hurlbut, 
David  Curtis  and  Samuel  Churchel  to  take  care  and  provide  for  the 
ministers  and  messengers  on  the  day  of  the  ordination. 

December  20,  1722.  . 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  Parish,  upon  the 
20th  day  of  December,  1722,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  : 

John  Camp,  Hezekiah  Deming  and  Samuel  Churchel  a  committee  to 
order  the  prudentials  of  our  society  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  Joseph  Hurlbut  and  Ebenezer  Kilburn  collectors  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

*  Mr.  Hezekiah  May,  of  Wethersfield,  did  "  joining  work  "  on  the  meeting 
house  to  the  amount  of  fifty-five  pounds,  for  which  Jabez  Whittelsey,  Samuel 
Hun  and  Samuel  Churchell  gave  their  personal  bond,  dated  Sept.  .25,  1722,  pay- 
able 12X.  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  October  next,  31£.  on  or  before  the  15th 
of  March  next,  and  12£.  on  or  before  the  last  day  of  May  next  thereafter.  The 
office  of  committee  was  no  sinecure  in  those  days. 

t  The  church  was  then  first  organized.     (See  Dr.  Brace's  Discourse,  p.  11.) 

4 


26 

Also  voted,  Mr.  James  Patterson,  Deacon  John  Deming,  and  Josiah 
Willard,  a  committee  to  seat  om*  meeting-house. 

Also  voted,  granted  a  rate  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  to 
pay  Mr.  Williams'  salary,  according  to  our  agreement. 

Also  voted,  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  should  have  the  parsonage  at  his  dis- 
posal as  long  as  he  continues  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  with  us.* 

Also  voted,  £1  12s.  to  the  widow  Elizabeth  Androus,  for  sweeping  our 
meeting-house. 

Also  voted,  that  the  present  committee  should  inspect  the  old  rates,  and 
all  that  can't  be  had  or  got  by  law,  and  to  deduct  it  and  add  it  to  our  min- 
ister's rate.     (See  page  12.) 

March  1,  1723. 

(10.)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish, 
lawfully  assembled  and  held  upon  the  1st  day  of  March,  1722-3,  it  was 
voted  and  agreed  as  followeth,  viz. :  Concerning  our  parsonage,  lying  so 
that  there  is  a  great  inconveniency  in  the  highway,  we  do  consent  and 
desire  to  remove  it  to  a  more  convenient  place,  provided  it  be  no  damage 
to  our  Society,  town,  or  to  Mr.  Williams,  and  that  the  land  may  be  as 
good.  We  do  appoint  Mr.  James  Patterson,  David  Curtis,  and  William 
Smith,  to  use  the  circumstances  thereof,  and  to  discourse  Mr.  Williams, 
and  to  have  his  consent,  and  make  report  at  the  town  meeting. 

Also  voted,  to  fill  the  walls,  and  lath  and  plaster  the  lower  part  of  our 
meeting-house. 

Also  voted,  that  Joseph  Hurlbut  and  Tho.  Francis,  a  committe  to  see 
said  work  done. 

December  31,  1723. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  31st  day  of  December,  1723,  it  was  voted 
and  agreed  as  followeth :  Hez.  Deming,  Eliphalet  Whittelsey,  and  Josiah 
Willard,  a  committee  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  Society  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Also  voted,  Ebenezer  Kilburn  and  Hezekiah  Griswould,  collectors  to 
gather  our  minister  and  Society  rates,  and  tax  money  granted  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court. 

Also  voted,  that  all  former  committees  shall  make  up  their  accounts 
with  the  collectors  chosen  when  they  were,  and  to  bring  the  arrearages 
to  the  present  committee,  and  to  be  added  to  the  present  Society  charge. 

Also  voted,  for  the  payment  of  our  minister  rate  that  wheat  should  be 
at  5s.  6d.  per  bushel,  rye  at  3s.  9d.  per  bushel,  and  Indian  corn  at  2s.  8d. 
per  bushel. 

Also  voted,  that  the  present  (lommittee  to  adjust  all  accounts  in  our 
Society  about  our  meeting-house,  from  the  laying  of  the  floor  and  filling  of 
the  walls  to  this  day ;  all  such  accounts  to  be  examined  by  the  committee, 
and  to  allow  or  disallow  as  they  find  them  to  be  just  or  unjust. 

Also  voted,  granted  a  rate  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  to 
defray  the  necessary  charge  of  our  Society. 

Also  voted,  that  our  committee  should  purchase  a  drum,  and  add  it  to 
our  present  Society  charge. 

Also  voted,  Jebezeth  Whittelsey,  Isaac  Buck,  a  school  committee,  and 
the  country  money  to  them  to  defray  part  of  the  charge  of  a  school.f 

*  The  parsonage  was  opposite  the  present  residence  of  Martin  Robbins,  Esq. 
Mr.  Williams  lived  in  his  own  house.     (Dr.  Brace's  Dis.,  66.) 
t  The  first  mention  of  the  subject  of  schools. 


27 


February  8,  172B. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inliabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  ami  held  upon  the  8th  day  of  February,  1724-5,  (11)  it  was 
voted  and  agreed  as  foUoweth  :  Mr.  Josiah  Deming,  John  Camp,  and 
Josiah  Willard,  a  committee  for  this  year  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our 
Society  according  to  the  best  of  their  discretion. 

Also  voted,  Nathaniel  Stodderd  and  Jonathan  Griswould,  collectors  for 
this  year. 

Also  voted,  for  the  payment  of  our  minister's  rate,  wheat  should  be  at 
6s.  per  bushel,  rye  at  4s.  6d.  per  bushel,  Indian  corn  at  4s.  per  bushel. 

Also  voted,  one  pound  ten  shillings  to  be  added  to  our  minister's  rate.     - 

Also  voted,  to  carry  Mr.  Williams  wood  as  heretofore  we  have  done, 
and  to  cart  it  on  the  first  Thursday  of  March. 

January  6,  1726. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  sixth  day  of  January,  1725-6,  voted  and 
agreed :  Deacon  John  Deming,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  and  Isaac  Buck,  com- 
mittee for  the  year  ensuing  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  Society. 

Also  voted,  David  Griswould,  and  Nathaniel  Churchel,  collectors  to 
gather  our  minister  and  Society  ratfes. 

Also  voted,  that  the  necessary  charge  of  our  Society  for  this  year  should 
be  added  to  our  minister's  rate. 

Also  voted,  that  grain  for  the  payment  of  Mr.  Williams'  rate  should  be 
as  foUoweth: — wheat  at  6s.  6d.  per  bushel,  rye  at  4s.  6d.  per  bushel,  and 
Indian  corn  at  3s.  6d.  per  bushel. 

Also  voted  and  agreed,  that  our  annual  meeting  for  the  choosing  of 
Society  officers  in  this  Society  for  the  future  shall  be  on  the  third  Monday 
of  December,  beginning  at  twelve  of  the  clock  of  the  day. 

Also  voted,  whereas  this  society  are  obliged  by  covenant  to  provide  Mr. 
Williams  his  firewood  so  long  as  he  continues  in  the  work  of  the  ministry 
among  us,  and  the  method  heretofore  practiced  of  warning  all  or  most  of 
the  society  in  a  day  been  found  by  experience  to  be  troublesome,  uncer- 
tain, and  unequal,  for  remedy  hereof  it  is  now  voted  and  agreed  to  grant  a 
rate  of  twelve  pounds  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  apper- 
taining to  all  persons  inhabiting  within  this  Society,  for  providing  Mr. 
Williams'  wood ;  and  every  person  hath  liberty  to  pay  his  proportion  of 
the  said  12  pounds  in  wood,  provided, he  doth  it  in  season ;  but  if  any  per- 
son refuses  or  neglects  to  pay  his  proportion  seasonably  in  wood,  they 
shall  pay  it  in  money,  or  that  which  is  equivalent,  to  the  committee  for 
the  Society  for  the  time  being,  to  be  by  them  improved  for  the  providing 
of  said  wood ;  and  further,  the  committee  for  the  Society  for  the  time 
being  (12)  for  the  time  shall  order  every  person  as  to  the  time  of  his  car- 
rying Mr.  Williams  his  proportion  of  wood,  and  those  that  attend  not  this 
order  as  to  time  shall  be  deemed  unseasonbly,  always  provided  no  person 
be  hindered  from  carrying  their  proportion  sooner  than  the  committee 
orders  ;  and  every  load  is  to  be  reckoned  at  the  price  of  three  shillings. 

Also  voted,  to  provide  all  joists  and  boards  for  the  galleries'  floor  of  our 
meeting-house,  and  to  lath  and  plaster  the  walls  of  our  meeting-house  up 
to  the  plate,  and  the  new  windows  to  be  put  up  below,  and  the  present 
windows  of  our  meeting-house  to  be  put  up  above. 

Also  voted,  to  have  a  school  in  our  Society,  and  what  the  country  money 
don't  pay  is  to  be  raised  on  polls  of  the  children  that  go  to  school,  to 
defray  the  charge  of  the  school. 


28 

Also  voted,  Dea.  Joseph  Androus  and  James  Francis,  a  committee  for 
the  school. 

Also  voted,  that  for  the  payment  of  our  minister  rate  grain  should  be  as 
foUoweth,  viz  : — Wheat  at  six  shillings  per  bushel,  rye  at  four  shillings  per 
bushel,  and  Indian  corn  at  two  shillings  eight  pence  per  bushel. 

Also  voted,  to  have  a  school  six  months  in  this  Society  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  children,  and  all  the  charge  more  than  is  allowed  by  the  country 
to  be  raised  on  the  polls  of  those  children  whom  their  parents  send  to 
school. 

Also  voted,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey  and  Richard  Borman  a  school  com- 
mittee. 

To  the  Honorable  Governor  and  Council : 

We,  the  inhabitants  of  Newington,  having  considered  the  weighty  affair 
of  tie  removal  of  our  Rev.  pastor  fi-om  us  to  Yale  College — * 

April  IS,  1726. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  15th  day  of  April,  1726,  voted  and  agreed 
as  followeth :  That  we  desire  to  be  heard  as  to  the  removal  of  our  Rev. 
pastor  to  Yale  College  by  the  honored  Governor  and  Council. 

Also  voted.  Deacon  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  John  Camp,  and  Joseph  Hurl- 
but,  a  committee  to  represent  our  Society,  if  by  any  means  our  minis- 
ter may  stay  with  us ;  and  if  not,  act  according  to  the  best  of  their  discre- 
tion that  we  may  have  the  charge  returned  that  we  have  been  at  in  set- 
tling our  minister. 

May  28,  1726. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  25th  day  of  May,  1726,  it  was  voted  and 
agreed  to  call  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus  upon  probation  for  our  minister. 

Also  voted,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  to  call  Mr.  Backus  upon  probation. 

Yale  College  had  for  some  years  been  without  a  rector. 
The  General  Court  had  appointed  a  Committee  to  inquire  into 
the  reasons  for  the  long  delay  in  filling  the  vacant  chair  of 
president  of  that  "  school."  At  last  the  trustees  of  the  Col- 
lege met  at  Hartford,  May  22,  1724,  and  there  presented  a 
memorial  to  the  General  Assembly  then  in  session  at  Hartford, 
stating  among  other  things  their  action  in  attempting  to  fill 
the  vacant  rectorship  as  follows :  "  We  have  unanimously 
chosen  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wigglesworth,  Professor  of  Divinity  at 
Cambridge,  to  be  the  Rector  of  Yale  College.  And  in  case 
of  a  disappointment  of  our  hope  of  obtaining  him,  we  have 
chosen  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Russell,  of  Middletown,  to  that 
ofiice.     And  in  case  our  expectations  should  there  fail  us  also. 


*  This  is  the  beginning  of  a  petition  to  the  Governor  and  Council,  inserted 
here  perhaps  by  mistake.    I  do  not  find  any  such  petition. — [R.  W.] 


29 

in  a  farther  attempt,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams,  of  New- 
iiigton,  hath  had  the  voice  of  the  major  part  of  the  trustees 
here  present."  The  memorial  was  signed  by  T.  Woodbridge, 
as  moderator,  and  Eliphalet  Adams,  as  scribe. 

This  memorial  contains  the  following  endorsement,  "  Upon 
consideration  of  the  above  address  of  the  trustees  of  Yale  Col- 
lege, and  the  extraordinary  charge  they  will  be  at  in  settling 
a  rector  there,  it  is  granted  that  the  impost  of  rum  for  the 
present  year  be  allowed  and  paid  to  them  to  enable  them 
therein." 

During  the  following  year  the  trustees  of  the  College  made 
unanimous  choice  of  Mr.  Williams  as  rector.  Only  two  or 
three  years  before,  he  had  been  settled  as  pastor  for  life  over 
the  parish  of  Newington.  A  considerable  sum  of  money  had 
been  paid  to  him  and  expended  for  him  for  his  settlement.  It 
was  in  part  consideration  of  his  entering  into  a  life-long  con- 
tract to  labor  with  them  and  cultivate  this  long  destitute  por- 
tion of  the  Lord's  vineyard.  He  was  their  first  pastor,  and  had 
but  just  begun  his  appointed  work  with  them ;  had  scarcely 
got  his  settlement  money  in  his  pocket.  He  could  not  now 
break  this  binding  contract.  He  could  not  abandon  it  with- 
out the  consent  of  the  other  party  to  it.  This,  fact  was  recog- 
nized by  all.  Negotiations  therefore  were  commenced  between 
the  trustees  of  the  College,  Mr.  Williams,  and  the  people,  to 
effect  an  amicable  arrangement  for  his  release  and  removal. 
The  people  were  unwilling  to  part  with  him.  They  asked  to 
be  paid  their  disbursements' if  he  went  away  from  them.  This 
was  certainly  reasonable,  for  they  were  poor;  so  was  the  Col- 
lege.    Recourse  for  help  was  had  to  the  General  Court. 

In  October,  1725,  the  trustees  of  the  College  presented  the 
following  memorial  to  the  General  Assembly. 
"  To  the  Honorable  the  Governor,  Council  and  Representa- 
tives, in  General  Court  assembled,  at  New  Haven,  October 
14,  1725. 

The  memorial  of  the  trustees  of  Yale  College  humbly  shew- 
eth,  that  the  said  trustees  after  many  endeavors  for  the  gain- 
ing a  rector  for  Yale  College,  have  at  our  late  meeting  in  New 
Haven  unanimously  chosen  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams, 
minister  of  Newington,  a  parish  belonging  to  Wethersfield, 


30 

unto  that  service,  and  judge  him  a  person  well  qualified  for  the 
work  we  have  called  him  to,  and  in  him  have  a  fair  prospect 
that  he  will  be  a  repairer  of  the  breach  that  has  been  made  in 
that  society ;  and  as  that  school  has  had  its  being  from  this 
Honorable  Assembly,  and  testimonies  of  tlieir  good  will  in 
supporting  it  hitherto,  so  we  count  it  our  duty  not  only  to  in- 
form this  Honorable  Assembly  of  the  measures  we  have  taken 
for  the  promoting  the  good  thereof,  but  now  pray  that  by  your 
act  you  will  give  your  public  approbation  of  our  choice,  which 
we  shall  take  as  a  favor.  We  (as  appointed  by  the  trustees) 
have  made  application,  both  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  and  to 
the  people  of  the  parish,  with  him,  and  have  a  likely  prospect 
of  obtaining  him,  both  from  him  and  them ;  but  the  parish 
being  small,  and  generally  new  beginners,  it  will  necessarily 
bring  a  considerable  charge  upon  them  in  settling  of  another 
minister.  The  College,  out  of  their  small  stock  cannot  fully 
answer  the  charge  we  shall  put  them  to ;  we  therefore  humbly 
pray  this  Honorable  Assembly  that  as  they  have  often  done  to 
divers  places  in  this  Government,  that  upon  Mr.  Williams' 
removal  to  the  College,  so  you  will  please  to  allow  them  their 
country  rates  (which  are  but  little,)  for  the  space  of  four  or 
five  years,  and  by  your  act  state  it  to  be  applied  to  the  settling 
the  next  succeeding  minister  in  their  parish  ;  and  we  shall 
accept  it  as  a  token  of  the  favor  this  Honorable  Assembly  bears 
to  the  College,  and  a  manifestation  of  their  delighting  in  its 
prosperity.     Aijd  your  memorialists  shall  ever  pray,  &c. 

Timothy  Woodbridge, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Samuel  Whitman. 
Upon  the  reception  of  this  memorial  the  Assembly  congrat- 
ulated the  College,  saying, 

"  This  Assembly  rejoice  in  tlie  good  providence  that  con- 
ducted the  Reverend  Trustees  to  fill  up  the  vacancy  of  a  rector 
in  said  College  with  a  gentleman  so  agreeable  to  the  country, 
and  so  very  acceptable  to  the  Assembly ;  and  do  enact  that 
when  the  said  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  shall  remove  to  New 
Haven  into  the  service  of  rector  in  Yale  College,  according  to 
appointment  of  the  said  reverend  trustees,  that  Newington,  or 
the  inhabitants  of  said  parish,  shall  be  freed  from  paying  their 
country  tax  for  the  space  of  four  years  next  coming,  on  con- 
dition that  the  money  be  improved  towards  settling  another 
minister  in  said  parish."     6  Oonn.  Col.  Rec,  569. 

After  this  aid  was  extended  to  Newhigton  by  the  General 
Court,  negotiations  were  again  renewed.  The  College,  acting 
through  its  trustees,  and  the  parish,  acting  through  its  com- 


31 

mittee,  at  last  agreed  that  the  terms  of  adjustment  between 
the  College  and  society  should  be  settled  by  a  committee. 
The  College  selected  Mr.  Nathaniel  Stanley  and  Capt.  Ozias 
Pitkin ;  the  society  Mr.  Nathaniel  Burnham  and  Mr.  Martin 
Kellogg,  as  a  committee  of  arbitration,  to  adjust  the  accounts 
presented  by  Newington,  for  expenses  incurred  in  settling  Mr. 
Williams. 

The  parish  presented  the  following  bill  of  particulars': 
"  A  true  account  of  the  settling  of  Mr.  Williams,  at  New- 
ington. 

1.  Particular.  The  committee  treating  with  Mr.  Williams 
before  his  first  coming  out  to  Newington  to  undertake  the 
work  of  the  ministry  with  us,  -  -  £1     4s.  Od. 

2.  The  charge  of  the  several  meetings  about 

settling  him,  -  -  -  -         0  00     0 

3.  Charge  arising  in  bringing  out  his  family, 

goods,  and  creatures,  at  his  first  coming 
out,  and  providing  a  supper, 

4.  Charges  at  his  ordination, 

5.  Charges  at  the  raising  of  Mr.  Williams' 

house,   .        -  -  -  -  - 

To  eight  acres  of  land, 
To  170  pounds    towards  the  building  of 
Mr.  Williams'  house, 
More  to  days'  works,  that  amount  to 
These  items  amount  to  .£362  6s.  Sd.     The  committee  how- 
ever did  not  allow  the  whole  of  the  bill.     They  rejected  all 
but  the  sum  of  X200  16s.  which  they  awarded  should  be  paid 
by  the  College.     A  memorandum  of  the  adjustment,  which 
still  exists,  shows  its  terms  in  full. 

"  A.  D.  1726,  May  the  4th.  It  was  concluded  by  Mr.  Na- 
thaniel Stanley  and  Capt.  Ozias  Pitkin,  chosen  by  the  Rev. 
Trustees  of  Yale  College,  (Mr.  Timothy  Woodbridge,  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Buckingham,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Whitman,)  and  also 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Burnham,  and  Mr.  Martin  Kellogg,  chosen  also 
by  the  committee  of  Newington,  (Dea.  Jabez  Whittelsey,  John 
Camp,  and  Joseph  Hurlbut,)  to  adjust  the  accounts  that  the 
people  of  Newington  were  at  in  settling  of  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Elisha  Williams  amongst  them  as  their  pastor.  It  was  con- 
cluded that  there  should  be  delivered  to  tlie  committee  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  sixteen  shillings,  in  bills  of  credit, 
by  the  last  day  of  October  next  ensuing  the  date  of  these  pres- 
ents, and  also  to  pay  to  them  what  the  General  Assembly 


2 

13 

0 

38 

15 

5 

3 

4 

0 

80 

0 

0 

70 

0 

0 

65 

6 

3 

32 

granted  to  them,  also  the  releasing  of  their  country  rates  for 
the  term  of  four  years." 

On  the  same  day  tlie  committee  drew  up  their  report  to  the 
General  Assembly  in  which  they  announced  the  conclusion  to 
whicli  they  had  arrived.  This  sum  was  higher  than  the  Col- 
lege felt  able  to  pay.  Again  recourse  was  had  to  the  General 
Court.  It  would  seem  that  even  now  the  question  of  Mr. 
Williams  leaving  for  the  new  field  of  labor  at  New  Haven, 
depended  upon  the  action  of  the  General  Court  in  affording 
their  aid.  The  College^  was  felt  to  be  in  danger  of  sinking 
unless  the  enterprise  could  be  carried  through.  The  following 
carefully  drawn  memorial  for  help  gives  a  vivid  picture  of  the 
situation. 
"  To  the  Hon^'ie  Governor,  Council  and  Representatives  in 

General  Court  assembled,  in  Hartford,  May  12, 1726.    The 

memorial  of  us  the  subscribers,  in  behalf  of  Yale  College, 

humbly  oifered. 

Whereas  for  public  benefit  the  said  College  hath  been 
erected,  and  hitherto  supported  in  great  measure,  by  the  favor 
and  beneficence  of  the  Honorable  Assembly  of  this  Colony,  so 
as  our  necessities  have  required,  upon  application  to  them  by 
the  trustees  of  said  College,  it  has  from  time  to  time  been  sup- 
plied, wherefore  make  bold  to  inform  this  Honorable  Assem- 
bly that  it  stands  in  great  necessity  of  relief.  It  is  well  known 
that  the  sufferings  of  the  College  through  the  defection  of  the 
rector  have  been  long  and  great,  and  will  increase  till  there  be  ■ 
a  rector  settled  in  it.  Through  the  good  hand  of  God's  provi- 
dence the  trustees  have  been  directed  to  make  choice  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Blisha  Williams,  of  Newington  Parish,  in  Wethers- 
field,  to  supply  that  place,  which  this  Honorable  Assembly 
has  well  approved,  and  given  a  good  token  of  their  approba- 
tion. We,  according  to  the  instructions  given  us  by  the  trus- 
tees, ha\^ "applied  to  the  said  Mr.  Williams,  and  to  the  people 
of  his  parish,  and  have,  though  not  without  difficulty,  obtained 
the  consent  of  Mr.  Williams  and  his  people,  that  he  shall 
remove  to  New  Haven,  and  as  it  appears  both  just  and  reason- 
able, that  the  people  should  be  made  good  in  their  temporal 
interests.  We  have  agreed  witli  their  committee  to  take  the 
judgment  of  prudent  and  indifferent  persons  in  stating  their 
accounts,  who  have  given  their  judgment  in  the  case,  and  have 
determined  what  tliey  judge  to  be  just  and  reasonable  for  the 
people  to  receive,  to  make  up  wliat  they  have  expended  in  set- 
tling Mr.  Williams  amongst  them,  which  sum  ariseth  higher 


33 

than  what  the  College  can  pay,  and  what  the  General  Assem- 
bly in  October  last  granted ;  wherefore  we  make  our  liumble 
address  to  this  Honorable  Assembly  to  assist  the  College, 
which  will  be  in  danger  of  sinking  witliDut  it.  We  therefore 
humbly  pray  that  this  Honorable  Assembly  would  according 
to  your  usual  bounty,  and  from  their  good  will  to  the  support 
of  the  College,  grant  to  the  trustees  for  the  use  of  the  College, 
the  impost  settled  by  law  on  the  importation  of  rum,  from  the 
beginning  of  last  May,  to  be  continued  till  the  May  next  com- 
ing, which  possibly  may  reach  to  what  is  due  to  the  people  of 
Newington,  to  repair  the  rector's  house,  and  fit  it  to  dwell  in.. 
And  we  hope  and  desire  that  the  Divine  Goodness  will  gra- 
ciously accept  your  ofiering.  And  we  obliged  ever  to  pray  as 
in  duty  bound,  <fec.  T.  Woodbridge, 

Samuel  Whitman. 

The  General  Court  received  the  application  graciously,  and 
responded  by  voting  to  pay  one  half  of  the  money  out  of  the 
Colonial  treasury,  as  follows  : 

"  Upon  the  memorial  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Timothy  Woodbridge, 
and  Mr.  Samuel  Whitman,  Trustees  of  Yale  College,  inform- 
ing this  Assembly  that  they  had  prevailed  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Elisha  Williams  to  remove  from  his  parish  at  Newington  to 
Yale  College,  and  to  undertake  the  trust  and  service  of  rector 
of  said  college,  and  that  the  people  of  Newington  ought  to  be 
considered  with  respect  to  the  disbursements  they  have  made 
in  settling  Mr.  Williams  amongst  them.  It  is,  therefore,  con- 
sidered by  this  Assembly,  that  the  Treasurer  pay  out  of  the 
public  treasury  to  the  inhabitants  of  Newington,  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  pounds  and  sixteen  shillings,  in  satisfaction  of 
part  of  the  sum  the  trustees  agreed  the  said  inhabitants 
should  have  as  a  recompense  for  their  said  disbursements ; 
provided  the  said  Mr.  Williams  be  settled  in  the  trust  of 
rector  of  the  said  college."     7   Conn.  Col.  Mee.,  24. 

The  record  also  shows  an  act  of  courtesy  to  Mr.  Williams 
which  proves  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  was  held 
personally : — 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Governor  and  Council  in  Hartford  on 
April  13,  1726  : 

"  A  letter  to  Mr.  Williams,  elect  rector  of  Yale  College, 
was  read  and  approved  at  this  board,  and  ordered  that  the 
same  be  signed  .by  the  secretary  ;  and  his  Honor  is  desired 
to  have  it  transmitted  to  Mr,  Williams."  6  Conn.  Col.  Mee. ^ 
380. 

6 


34 

The  Trustees  of  the  College  were  now  enabled  to  comply 
with  the  terms  of  the  adjustment,  and  they  did  so.  The 
money  was  paid  to  the  committee  of  the  parish,  as  shown  by 
the  following  receipt  ? — 

"  November  4, 1726. 
"  The  money  received  from  the  Reverend  Trustees  was  thus 
disposed  : 

"  John  Camp,  13  five-pound  bills. 

"  Joseph  Hurlbut,  13  five-pound  bills. 

"  Of  the  society  money  received  by  me, 

Joseph  Hurlbut. 
"  Jabez  Whittelsey,  14  five-pound  bills  and  sixteen  shil- 
lings. 

"  Witness  our  hands, 

"  John  Camp. 

"  Jabez  Whittelsey." 

The  grant  of  the  General  Court  in  May,  1726,  settled 
the  question  of  Mr.  Williams'  removal.  He  probably  dis- 
solved his  connection  with  the  Newington  parish  and  church 
at  once.  The  society  meeting  of  May  25,  1726,  voted  to  call 
Rev.  Simon  Backus  on  probation. 

The  Society  lost  a  revered  pastor,  the  College  gained  an 
able  rector, 

Mr.  Williams  was  a  man  of  ability  and  culture.  He  had 
represented  the  town  of  Wethersfield  in  the  General  Assem- 
bly, at  its  sessions  held  in  October,  1717  ;  May,  1718  ;  May 
and  October,  1719  ;  and  May,  1720.  He  had  been  appointed 
Clerk  of  the  House  at  all  these  sessions,  except  that  of  May, 
1719,  when  he  held  the  office  of  auditor  of  public  accounts. 
He  had  also  acted  as  tutor  to  some  of  the  students  of  Yale 
College,  at  Wethersfield,  in  1719.  His  ability  had  been  tried 
and  approved  in  all  these  positions.  He  acted  as  rector  of 
the  College  for  thirteen  years,  till  Oct.,  1739,  when  he  resigned 
on  account  of  ill  health.  Soon  after,  in  May,  1740,  we  find 
him  again  representing  the  town  of  Wethersfield,  in  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  and  Speaker  of  the  House  during  that  session. 
He  continued  to  be  a  deputy  from  Wethersfield  and  speaker 
of  the  House  for  several  sessions  thereafter!  He  was  judge 
of  the  Superior  Court  in  1740,  and  for  some  years  following. 


35 

He  was  also  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  Wethersfield,  in  1740, 
and  for  a  number  of  years  after  that  time.  He  held  the  office 
of  Town  Clerk  for  the  same  town.  He  was  appointed  by  the 
General  Assembly  held  in  March,  1745,  chaplain  to  the  State 
forces  sent  in  April  in  the  expedition  against  Cape  Breton. 
He  was  chaplain  during  that  spring  and  summer,  and  wit- 
nessed the  capture  of  Louisburg,  June  17,  1745.  In  August 
he  had  probably  resigned,  as  we  find  a  vote  of  the  General 
Assembly  passed  in  that  month  requesting  him  to  continue 
as  chaplain. 

In  May,  1746,  he  was  again  a  Deputy  from  Wethersfield  to 
the  General  Assembly.  That  session  determined  that  another 
expedition  should  be  sent  to  Canada,  and  Mr.  Williams 
was  appointed  its  colonel.  The  regiment,  however,  did  not 
go.  It  was  raised  and  expenses  were  incurred.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams was  sent  as  special  agent  of  the  colony  to  Great  Britain 
to  negotiate  for  the  payment  of  these  expenses,  by  the  General 
Government.  Without  following  his  career  further,  the  fore- 
going incidents  of  his  life,  prove  his  great  versatility  of  talent. 
He  was  a  prominent  character  in  theology,  education,  law, 
legislation,  diplomacy,  war  and  military  affairs.  He  died 
in  Wethersfield,  July  24,  1755.* 

His  removal  from  Newington  to  Yale  College  properly 
closes  the  first  epoch  in  the  history  of  that  parish. 


SECOND    PERIOD,    1726-1746. 

The  parish  of  Newington  being  left  without  a  pastor,  by 
the  removal  of  Mr.  Williams,  immediately  took  the  necessary 
steps  to  supply  the  vacancy.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  of  Norwich, 
was  called  to  preach  on  probation.  His  pastoral  ministrations 
appear  to  have  been  satisfactory,  for,  after  a  short  probation- 
ary term  of  service,  he  was  called  to  be  a  settled  pastor.  This 
was  voted  in  society  meeting,  Aug.  24, 1726.     The  terms  of 

*  See  Dr.  Brace's  Discourse,  for  a  sketch  of  his  life  and  character. 


36 

his  settlement  were  agreed  upon,  and  embodied  in  a  vote  of 
the  society  passed  September  5,  1726.  On  account  of  the 
poverty  of  the  parish  he  received  but  a  meagre  sum  for  a  set- 
tlement, "  One  hundred  and  seventy-five  pounds  of  the  money 
given  by  the  country  and  college,  and  all  the  money  granted 
us  in  our  country  taxes,  be  it  more  or  less." "  Mr.  Backus, 
however,  accepted  these  terms  in  his  formal  answer  to  the 
society,  dated  Sept.  7, 1726.  He  was  ordained  Wednesday, 
the  25th  day  of  January,  1727.  Dr.  Brace  says  of  him  : — 
"  From  all  the  testimony  which  I  have  found,  I  am  convinced 
that  Mr.  Backus  was  a  substantial,  orthodox,  pious  minister, 
that  gave  good  satisfaction  to  the  people  during  his  ministry, 
which  continued  about  twenty  years.  His  wife  was  one  of 
the  ten  daughters  (every  one  of  whom  has  been  said  to  be  six 
feet  tall,  making  the  sixty  feet  daughters,  and  all  of  tliem 
strong  in  mind,)  children  of  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards,  of  East 
Windsor.  Mr.  Belden  used  to  tell  me  of  Madame  Backus,  as 
living  here  in  his  time,  and  of  her  brother.  Rev.  Jonathan 
Edwards,  of  Northampton,  as  visiting  his  sister,  and  favoring 
Mr.  Belden  by  preaching  to  the  congregation  of  Newington. 
I  suppose  she  closed  her  life  at  Bridgeport,  with  her  son.  Rev. 
Simon  Backus,  who  was  the  minister  of  that  place.  Mr. 
Backus  himself  died  in  1746,  at  Cape  Breton,  whither  he  had 
gone  as  chaplain  in  the  colonial  service,  aged  about  forty-five 
years.  He  was  a  good  minister,  and  lived  in  great  harmony 
with  his  people."* 

The  following  is  the  record  of  the  society  during  the  term 
of  his  service  afs  pastor. 


THE  FIRST  VOTES  FOR  THE  SECOND  MINISTER. 

June  1,  1726. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon  the 
first  day  of  June,  1726,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  as  followcth  : 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  that  all  the  votes  preceding  the  25th  day 
of  May,  1726,  however  weak  and  insufficient  they  be,  they  shall  be 
accepted  to  be  good,  and  are  hereby  made  good  and  valuable. 

*  Dr.  Brace's  Dis.,  pp.  14  and  15. 


37 

It  was  also  voted,  to  proceed  to  get  some  suitable  person  upon  probation 
to  be  our  minister. 

It  was  also  voted,  that  Dea.  John  Deming  and  John  Stodderd  do,  in 
behalf  of  the  Society,  apply  to  Mr.  Russel,  junior,  of  Middletown,  to  come 
and  preach  here  upon  probation  ;  and  if  he  shall  decline  it,  then  Dea.  John 
Deming  is  to  proceed  to  make  application  to  Simon  Backus,  of  Norwich, 
to  come  here  on  the  aforesaid  purpose. 

August  24,  1726. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  on  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  August,  1726,  it  was 
voted  and  agreed  as  followeth,  viz. : 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  to  call  Mr.  Simon  Backus  to  be  our  minister. 
Dea.  John  Deming,  Samuel  Hunn,  a  committee  to  treat  with  Mr.  Backus 
in  order  to  a  settlement. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  to  give  Mr.  Backus  seventy  pounds  salary  the 
first  year,  and  to  rise  two  pounds  per  year  until  we  come  to  eighty  pounds  a 
year.  It  was  voted  to  give  Mr.  Backus  for  a  settlement  one  hundred 
pounds  money  when  we  receive  it  of  the  country  or  college,  and  sixty 
pounds  as  it  is  gathered  in  our  country  rates,  and  sixty  pounds  in  labor 
towards  building. 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  until  the  next  Monday  come  sennight,  at  sun 
one  hour  high  at  night. 

September  S,  1726. 

At  a  Society  meeting  continued  by  adjournment  from  August  the  24th, 
1726,  to  September  the  5th,  1726,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth  : 
Making  void  those  two  votes  relating  to  a  settlement  and  salary  passed 
the  24th  of  August  last.  It  was  voted  (17)  and  agreed,  to  give  Mr. 
Simon  Backus  for  a  settlement  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  pounds  of 
the  money  given  by  the  country  and  college,  and  all  the  money  granted 
us  in  our  country  taxes,  be  it  more  or  less. 

It  was  also  voted,  to  give  Mr.  Simon  Backus  for  a  salary  seventy  pounds 
the  first  year,  and  so  to  rise  as  we  rise  in  our  lists  until  we  come  to  ninety 
pounds  per  year,  so  to  continue  as  long  as  he  continues  in  the  ministry 
with  us. 

It  was  voted,  to  give  Mr.  Simon  Backus  his  yearly  wood,  and  the  use  of 
the  parsonage,  so  long  as  he  continues  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  with 
us.  This  meeting  is  adjourned  to  the  next  Friday,  at  sun  one  hour  high 
at  night.     We  then  received  Mr.  Backus'  answer,  which  is  as  followeth  : 

MR.   backus'   answer   TO    THE    SOCIETY    OF    NEWINGTON. 

"  To  the  Society  of  Newington : 

"  That  respect  you  have  put  upon  me  in  the  several  votes  your  commit- 
tee appointed  for  that  end  have  laid  before  me,  calls  for  my  particular 
acknowledgment,  and  to  your  votes  of  the  24th  of  August  and  of  the  5  th 
of  this  instant  September,  wherein  you  have  manifesteu  your  desire  of  my 
settlement  with  you  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  for  that  end  have 
made  proposals  to  me  for  my  settlement  and  maintenance  therein,  as  you 
desire  (I)  make  this  return  by  your  committee.  That  in  a  due  sense  of 
my  unworthiness  to  be  employed  in,  and  insufficiency  for  that  great  and 
solemn  work  of  the  ministry,  I  accept  of  your  call  to  that  work,  and 
accept  your  proposal  for  my  settlement  and  yearly  maintenance.     Desiring 


38 

your  earnest  prayers  with  mine  to  the  God  of  all  grace  that  I  may  come 
to  you  in  the  fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 
"  Sept.  the  7,  1726.  SIMON  BACKUS." 

November  21,  1726. 

(18)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish, 
upon  the  21st  day  of  November,  1726,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  as  follow- 
eth,  viz. :  We  appoint  by  vote  Wednesday,  the  28th  day  of  December 
next,  for  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Backus. 

It  was  voted,  that  the  present  committee  is  to  agree  with  the  man  that 
boards  Mr.  Backus  to  provide  for  him  on  the  ordination  day  for  victuals 
and  drink  convenient. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  that  Samuel  Hunn,  Joseph  Hurlburt,  Ebene- 
zer  Killborn,  Caleb  Androus,  Isaac  Buck,  James  Frances,  Ebenezer  Smith, 
should  keep  a  tavern  on  the  ordination  day. 

It  was  voted  that  the  present  committee,  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  John 
Camp,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  shall  forthwith  pay  to  Mr.  Simon  Backus  the  cue 
hundred  and  seventy-five  pounds  money  ahvady  voted  to  him  on  Sept.  the 
5th,  1726,  taking  his  receipt,  which  shall  be  their  discharge  of  said 
money.* 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  for  the  £23  10s.  received  for  the  Society,  now  in 
the  hands  of  said  Committee,  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittlesey,  John  Camp,  Joseph 
Hurlbut,  shall  be  distributed  by  them  to  the  persons  according  to  the 
charge  they  were  at  in  the  particulars  following,  to  wit :  the  charge  of 
bringing  out  Mr.  Williams  and  his  family,  at  his  first  coming,  and  charges 
of  his  ordination,  and  for  raising  of  his  house,  and  for  his  oven  and  well. 

December  19,  1726. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  Parish  upon  the 
19th  day  of  December,  1726,  lawfully  assembled  and  held;  it  was  voted 
and  agreed  as  foUoweth  : 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  that  Dea.  John  Deming,  Samuel  Hunn,  Senior, 
Caleb  Androus,  should  be  a  committee  for  the  year  ensuing  to  order  the 
prudentials  of  the  society  according  to  the  best  of  their  discretion. 

It  was  voted,  Daniel  Curtis,  Jonathan  Whaples,  Collectors,  to  gather  the 
minister's  rate  and  society  rate. 

It  was  voted,  that  the  money  overplus  in  our  last  minister's  rate  should 
be  laid  out  in  meeting  house,  by  the  present  committee. 

It  was  voted,  to  make  a  rate  to  defray  the  ministerial  charge  of  the  year 
past. 

*  The  Committee  paid  the  money  the  next  day,  as  appears  by  the  following 
receipt : 

"November,  the  22,  1726. 
"  Then  received  of  the  parish  of  Newington,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-five pounds,  money,  hy  the  hand  of  their  committee  chosen  to  receive  and 
dispose  of  said  money,  namely  :  Deacon  Whittelsey,  Capt.  John  Camp,  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Hurlbut,  which  money  became  due  to  me,  the  subscriber,  by  virtue  of  a 
vote  passed  by  said  parish,  September  the  first,  1726.    I  say  received  by  me. 

Simon  Backus. 

The  sum  contained  in  the  above  receipt  I,  the  subscriber,  promise  and  oblige 
myself  to  I'eturn  unto  the  above  said  Committee,  in  case  I  don't  settle  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry  among  them. 

Simon  Backus." 


39 

It  was  voted,  That  Wednesday,  the  25th  of  January  next  ensuing  to  be 
the  day  of  ordination  of  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  and  the  day  of  humiliation 
to  be  on  "Wednesday  the  eleventh  day. 

(19)  It  was  voted  to  have  a  pound  near  about  Caleb  Androus  corner, 
and  Isaac  Buck,  Ebenezur  Killburn,  to  take  care  of  said  work  in  erecting 
a  pound,  and  Ebenezur  Killburn  to  be  pound  keeper.* 

It  was  also  voted,  That  the  society  charge,  two  pounds,  nine  shillings, 
eight  pence,  should  be  added  to  our  minister's  rate. 

It  was  voted,  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittlesey,  Ebenezur  Killburn,  a  school 
committee. 

December  18,  1727. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  eighteenth  day  of  December,  1727,  it  was 
voted  and  agreed  as  followeth,  viz : 

That  those  men,  to  wit :  Dea.  John  Deming,  Samuel  Hunn,  Sen'r,  Caleb 
Androus,  did  agree  with  Ensign  Richard  Borman  on  the  account  of  the 
ordination  charge,  we  look  upon  that  agreement  to  be  good,  and  the  levy 
made  on  that  account  to  be  good,  and  all  those  persons  that  are  behind 
forthwith  to  pay  their  just  dues.     This  agreement  was  voted. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  That  Ensign  Richard  Borman,  Mr.  Eliphalet 
Whittlesey,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  a  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing  to  order 
the  prudentials  of  the  society. 

It  was  voted,  That  Joseph  Benton,  Samuel  Hunn,  Ju'r,  Collectors,  to 
collect  the  minister's  rate  and  society  rate. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  to  make  a  rate  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate 
to  pay  Mr.  Backus  according  to  agreement  by  the  last  of  March  next 
ensuing,  and  we  agree  that  wheat  shall  go  at  6s.  6d.,  rye  at  4s.  6d.,  Indian 
corn  at  3s.  per  bushel,  to  pay  Mr.  Backus'  rate. 

It  was  voted,  and  agreed,  to  allow  Jonathan  Wright  one  pound,  one 
shilling,  for  sweeping  the  meeting  house,  and  to  Jonathan  Whaples  eleven 
shillings ;  and  what  money  is  wanting  in  the  last  rate,  is  to  be  brought  to 
the  present  committee,  and  they  to  add  it  to  the  present  society  charge. 
This  meeting  is  adjourned  to  the  first  Monday  in  January  next. 

January  1,  1727-8.  The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  first  Monday 
in  May  next  ensuing. 

May  6,  1728. 

(20)  At  a  society  meeting  of  Newington  parish  lawfully  assembled 
upon  the  6th  day  of  May,  1728,  it  was  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth  : 

That  whereas  there  is  a  certain  piece  or  some  part  of  the  parsons^e 
land  in  controversy  between  Abraham  Woring  and  the  Society,  we  agt-ee 

*  The  society  not  only  managed  the  pounds  and  probably  owned  them,  but  also 
famished  the  church  edifice  for  meetings  of  military  companies,  as  appears  by  the 
following  warning.  The  meeting  house  was  used  as  a  Town  Hall.  Its  sanctity 
was  not  considered  profaned  by  such  uses. 

To  Ebenezur  Kilborn  Constable  of  Newington,  Greeting : 

I,  having  received  a  special  command  from  the  Major  Roger  Woolcutt,  Major 
of  the  County  of  Hartford,  for  a  muster  day  of  Newington  parifih,  and  also  that 
part  called  the  Beckleys.  These  are,  therefore,  in  his  Majesty's  name,  to 
require  you  to  warn  all  the  inroUed  citizens  there,  that  they  appear  on  Tuesday, 
the  eighteenth  day  of  this  instant  October,  at  nine  of  the  (dock)  in  the  morning 
on  said  day,  at  Newington  meeting  house,  and  there  to  attend  on  the  choice  of 
yoar  oflBcers.     Hereof  fail  not.     Dated  in  Wethersfield,  October  the  12th,  1726. 

Thomas  Wells,  Capt. 


40 

to  leave  it  to  the  arbitration  of  two  indifferent  men,  and  if  they  cannot 
agree,  the  two  to  choose  an  umpire,  or  third  man,  and  that  the  said 
Abraham  Woring  resign  the  said  land  to  the  society  or  to  Mr.  Backus  at 
the  time  of  said  vote, — we  vote  and  agree  that  Capt.  John  Camp,  Ensign 
Richard  Borman,  Mr.  Eliphalet  Whittlesey  a  Committee  to  act  in  the 
Society's  behalf,  and  are  hereby  impowered  to  choose  one  man,  and  Abra- 
ham Woring  another,  and  to  abide  the  award ;  and  this  society  grants  a 
rate  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  to  defray  the  charge  if  any  ariseth,  and 
to  pay  to  said  Abraham  Woring  what  the  arbitrators  award  to  him  said 
Woring.  ' 

It  was  voted,  that  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Ebenezur  Killburn,  Josiah  Willard  a 
Committee  to  examine  or  inspect  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittlesey's  accounts 
concerning  his  coUectorship  and  committeeship  about  the  meeting  house, 
and  to  make  return  of  his  disposing  of  the  society  money  to  the  next 
meeting. 

December  16,  1728. 

(21)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  law- 
fully assembled  and  held  upon  the  16th  day  of  December,  1 7  28,  it  was 
voted  and  agreed  as  followeth,  viz  : 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  that  Mr.  Eliphalet  Whittelsey,  Joseph  Hurl- 
but,  Jonathan  Stodderd  a  committee  for  to  order  the  prudentials  of  the 
society  for  the  year  ensuing. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  John  Patterson,  Ephraim  Whaples,  collectors 
to  gather  the  minister's  rate  and  society  rate. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  that  the  society  charge,  for  the  year  past,  seven 
pounds  two  shillings  and  six  pence,  to  be  added  to  the  minister's  rate,  and 
this  (society)  grants  by  vote  twenty  pounds  to  be  added  and  gathered  with 
our  minister's  rate  ;  and  also  to  be  laid  out  in  our  meeting  house  by  the 
present  committee. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  that  to  pay  our  minister's  rate,  wheat  (should 
be)  at  6s.  6d.  per  bushel,  rye  at  4s.  6d.  per  bushel,  Indian  corn  at  3s.  per 
bushel. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  to  have  a  school  as  the  law  directs  as  to  time, 
and  Samuel  Churchel,  Thomas  Francis,  a  committee  for  the  school,  and 
what  the  country  money  don't  do  towards  defraying  the  cliarge,  the  rest 
shall  be  raised  on  the  polls  of  the  children  that  go  to  school. 

Deceinber  23,  1728. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  23d  of  December,  1728,  it  was  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth,  viz  : 

"it  was  voted  and  agreed  to  raise  a  rate  on  polls  and  all  rateable  estate  to 
defray  the  ministerial  charge  arising  in  our  society. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  that  all  the  votes  made  and  passed  on  the  16th 
day  of  this  instant  shall  be  good  and  valuable,  except  the  choice  of  John 
Paterson,  a  collector,  because  he  is  under  age  ;  it  was  voted  that  Joseph 
Androus  should  be  a  collector. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  to  raise  a  rate  of  six  pounds  for  Mr.  Backus's 
wood,  and  to  go  on  in  the  same  method  as  we  did  for  Mr.  Williams. 

December  IS,  1729. 

(22)  At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish, 
lawfully  assembled  and  held  upon  the  15th  day  of  December,  1729,  it 
was  voted  and  agreed  as  followeth,  viz  : 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Capt.  John  Camp,  Ensign 


41 

Richard  Borman  (committee)  for  the  year  ensuing,  with  as  full  power  as 
the  selectmen  in  the  towns,  as  to  the  business  of  our  society. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  David  Wright,  William  Wells  collectors,  to 
gather  our  minister's  rate  and  society  rate. 

This  society,  by  vote,  grants  a  rate  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  to  de- 
fray the  ministerial  charge  for  the  year  past ;  it  was  voted  that  wheat 
(should  be)  at  7s.  per  bushel,  rye  at  5s.  8d.,  per  bushel,  Indian  corn  at 
4s.  per  bushel,  to  pay  our  minister's  rate. 

This  society,  by  vote,  grants  four  pounds  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all 
ratable  estate,  to  the  last  Committee  Eliphalet  Whittelsey,  Jbseph  Ilurl- 
but,  Jonathan  Stodderd,  which  they  have  already  laid  out  on  our  meeting 
house. 

This  society,  by  vote,  grants  twenty  pounds  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all 
ratable  estate,  and  to  be  laid  out  on  our  meeting  house  by  Samuel  Hunn, 
Senior  and  Josiah  Willard,  a  committee  appointed  for  that  end,  according 
to  the  best  of  their  discretion. 

This  society  grants,  by  vote,  two  pounds  nineteen  shillings  eight  pence, 
to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  to  defray  the  charge  aris- 
ing by  a  certain  arbitration  between  Deacon  John  Deming  and  Samuel 
Hunn,  senr.,  in  the  behalf  of  this  society,  and  Abraham  Woring,  about 
some  part  of  the  parsonage,  awarded  to  him,  said  Woring,  by  Capt.  Tho. 
Seymore  and  Isaac  Heart,  arbitrators. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  Ebenezer  Killburn  and  Nathaniel  Churchel  a 
committee  to  cover  the  school  house.* 

And  we  do  grant  four  pounds,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  other  rat- 
able estate,  and  laid  out  on  the  school  house  by  the  above  said  committee. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  to  raise  eight  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate  for  Mr.  Backus'  wood,  in  the  method  we  did  for  Mr.  Williams. 

We  do,  by  vote,  grant  to  Jonathan  Wright,  for  sweeping  our  meeting 
house,  one  pound  and  eight  shillings,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  rat- 
able estate. 

It  was  voted,  That,  whereas  there  is  a  difference  between  the  society 
of  Newington  and  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  we  do  agree  by  vote  to  leave 
said  difference  to  the  (23)  North  Association  of  the  County  of  Hartford,  on 
the  first  Thursday  of  February  next  ensuing,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Mr. 
Thomas  Buckingham  ;  and  we  agreed  to  abide  their  determination,  pro- 
vided the  above  said  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittelsey  will  leave  said  difference 
to  the  North  Association,  and  abide  their  determination.  And  the  grand 
committee,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Capt.  John  Camp,  and  Ensign  Richard  Bor- 
man, to  represent  the  society,  and  act  in  their  behalf.  Ebenezer  Killburn, 
Josiah  Willard  and  Samuel  Hunn,  sen.,  to  act  with  the  above  said  commit- 
tee. 

It  was  voted  to  begin  our  annual  meeting  at  nine  of  the  clock  in  the 
morning. 

December  21,  1730. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  21st  day  of  December,  1730,  begun  at  our 
meeting  house  and  adjourned  to  the  house  of  Ephraim  Whaples,  by  vote, 
voted  and  agreed  : 

Capt.  John  Camp,  Mr.  Josiah  Deming  and  Daniel  Curtis,  a  committee 
to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted  and  agreed,  Thomas  Frances  and  David  Hunn,  collectors  for  the 
year  ensuing. 


*  This  is  the  first  mention  of  a  school  house  in  the  records. 

6 


42 

Also  voted,  to  raise  a  rate  of  five  pence  halfpenny  on  polls  and  all 
ratable  estate,  to  pay  Mr.  Backus'  salary  for  the  year  past. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed,  to  take  three  pounds,  thirteen  shillings,  one 
penny,  out  of  the  twenty  pounds  granted  last  year,  to  be  laid  out  in 
our  meeting  house,  to  pay  what  was  wanting  in  a  rate  granted  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus  in  the  year  1726. 

It  was  voted,  to  pay  Mr.  Backus'  rate,  wheat  at  7s.  per  bushel,  rye  at 
5s.  per  bushel,  Indian  corn  at  4s.  per  bushel. 

We,  by  vote,  grant  ten  pounds,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate,  for  Mr.  Backus'  wood,  in  the  same  method  as  we  agreed  on  to 
carry  it  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  at  3s.  per  load. 

It  was  voted  to  release  Joseph  Root  his  rate  this  year. 

Voted,  Joseph  Benton  and  Caleb  Androus  a  school  committee  for 
this  year. 

Also  voted,  one  pound  ten  shillings  to  Jonathan  Wright  for  sweeping 
our  meeting  house,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate. 

Also  voted,  to  adjourn  this  meeting  until  next  Monday,  at  twelve 
of  clock. 

December  20,  17S1. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  20th  day  of  December,  1731,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth,  viz  : 

(24)  Voted  and  agreed.  Sergeant  Isaac  Buck,  David  Wright  and 
John  Patterson,  a  committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted  and  agreed,  Thomas  Stodderd  and  Daniel  Willard,  collectors. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  a  rate  to  be  raised,  five  pence  half-penny  on 
the  pound,  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon 
Backus,  for  his  salary  for  the  year  past. 

Also  voted,  to  raise  a  rate  of  ten  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate,  for  Mr.  Backus  wood,  at  four  shillings  per  load,  to  be  raised  accord- 
ing to  our  vote  January  the  6th,  1 725-6. 

Also  voted,  one  pound  ten  shillings  to  the  widow  Sarah  Whaples,  for 
sweeping  our  meeting  house,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate. 

March  20,  1732. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  law- 
fully assembled  and  held  upon  the  20tli  day  of  March,  173^,  it  was  voted 
and  agreed  as  followeth  : 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  to  put  up  a  prayer  to  the  General  Assembly  in 
May  next  ensuing,  for  some  relief  under  our  present  circumstance  relating 
to  our  minister. 

Also  voted  Samuel  Hunn,  sen.,  and  John  Patterson,  a  committee  to  go 
to  the  Assembly  with  a  prayer,  and  to  act  according  to  the  best  of  their 
discretion.* 

*  The  committee  went  to  the  Assembly  with  the  following  prayer  : 

To  the  Honorable  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  in  Now  England,  holden 
at  Hartford,  May  11th,  A.  D.  1732. 

The  memorial  of  Samuel  Hunn,  and  John  Patterson,  agents  for  the  parish  of 
Newington,  in  behalf  of  said  parish,  humbly  showeth — 

That  little  more  than  nine  ycai's  ago  the  said  parish  were  at  the  cost  and  ex- 
pense of  settling  a  minister  amongst  them,  who,  after  a  few  years  continuance  in 
the  ministry  with  us,  wa.s  elected  Rector  of  Yale  College,  and  being  approved  of 
by  your  Honors,  accepted  said   oflBcc,  and  left  us,  and  undertook  to  serve  in  that 


43 

Voted  and  agreed,  That  Samuel  Hunn,  sen.  (be  a  committee)  to  treat 
witt  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams,  to  see  if  he  will  give  some  relief  relat- 
ting  to  Mr.  Backus's  bonds,  if  we  should  attain  to  a  prospect  of  clearing  up 
the  said  bonds  with  Mr.  Williams.  » 

Voted  and  agreed,  To  have  a  school  as  the  law  directs. 

Also  voted,  Isaac  Buck  and  David  Wright  a  school  committee. 

Also  voted,  To  adjourn  this  meeting  until  the  last  Monday  in  May 
next  ensuing  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

December  18,  1732. 

At  a  Society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  law- 
fully assembled  and  held  upon  the  18th  day  of  December,  1732,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth  : 

It  was  voted,  John  Patterson,  Ebenezer  Killburn  and  Joseph  Benton,  a 

office  a  more  public  benefit  for  the  whole  government,  and  left  the  poor  parish  of 
Newington,  who  were  then  but  about  three  thousand  700  pounds  in  their  public 
list,  to  seek  for  and  settle  another  minister,  the  burden  of  which  was  great  upon 
our  small  parish,  though  favored  with  some  relief  from  this  Honorable  Assembly, 
which  was  just  about  what  was  given  by  the  said  parish  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams, which,  we  make  bold  to  inform  your  Honors,  did  not  make  up  our  loss, 
because  Mr.'  Williams,  his  having  a  good  and  large  estate  of  his  own,  and  that 
being  principally  in  lands  in  and  near  our  parish,  could  and  did  serve  us  much 
cheaper  in  the  ministry  than  any  other  would,  or,  indeed,  could,  and  we  being 
poor,  &e.,  and  having  proceeded  to  settle  another  minister  with  us,  and  we  not 
being  able  to  purchase  him  a  settlement,  nor  able  to  do  much  for  him,  he  pur- 
chased a  settlement  for  himself,  and  that  but  a  small  one,  whereby  our  present 
rev'd  minister  did  run  himself  considerably  into  debt  in  the  purchase  aforesaid, 
whereof  there  remains  yet  unpaid  about  three  hundred  pounds,  and  the  time  that 
it  should  have  been  paid  is  some  considerable  time  agone,  and  our  minister  is  un- 
able to  pay  that  debt,  neither  is  the  parish  able  to  pay  it  for  him,  being  still  poor 
and  having  now  but  about  three  thousand  nine  hundred  (pounds)  in  the  public 
list. 

And  our  said  minister  is  daily  exposed  to  be  sued  for  the  money,  by  reason 
whereof  he  informs  us  that  he  must  be  obliged  to  make  sale  of  what  he  hath 
amongst  us,  for  the  payment  of  the  debt  and  so  leave  us,  if  some  other  way  be  not 
found,  speedily  found,  for  the  payment  thereof,  which  would  be  attended  with 
many  inconveniences  and  consequences  hurtful  to  our  parish  and  threaten  its  dis- 
solution. 

We,  therefore,  pray  your  Honors  would  compassionate  us  under  our  distressed 
circumstances,  and,  according  to  your  wonted  goodness,  afford  us  some  relief,  and 
if  you,  in  your  great  wisdom,  think  meet  to  grant  us  liberty  to  take  out  of  your 
public  treasury  as  much  money  as  our  country  rates  will  pay  in,  in  four  years. 
And  if  your  Honors  should  think  it  not  proper  to  do  that,  you  would  be  pleased 
to  grant  us  our  country  rates  for  four  years,  and  although  that  would  not  half 
pay  the  debt,  yet  we  hope  that  with  the  contributions  of  some  generously  disposed 
gentlemen,  and  witii  what  we  shall  be  able  to  obtain  in  some  other  ways,  we  shall 
then  be  able  to  pay  the  debt,  and  relieve  our  rev'd  pastor  of  the  difficulties  he  is 
involved  in  by  reason  thereof,  and  that  we  may  yet  enjoy  and  be  blest  with  the 
continuance  of  his  ministry  among  us.  And  your  memorialists,  as  in  duty 
bound,  shall  ever  pray. 

Dated  in  Newington,  May  16,  1732. 

SamdelHunn,       Ugents. 
John  Patterson,  J     ° 

In  the  Lower  House, 

The  question  was  put  whether  anything  should  be  granted  on  this  memorial. 
Resolved  in  the  negative. 

Test.,  Jno.  Rcssell,  Clerk. 

In  the  Upper  House, 

Read  and  concurred. 

Test.,  Hez.  Wyllys,  Secretary. 


44 

committee  for  the  year  ensuing  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society 
according  to  their  best  discretion. 

It  was  voted,  Joshua  Androus  and  William  Smith,  collectors. 

^Also  voted  and  granted,  To  raise  a  rate  of  five  pence  half-penny  on  the 
pound  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus's 
salary  for  the  year  past. 

Also  voted.  To  the  widow  Sarah  Whaples,  one  pound  ten  shillings,  to 
be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  for  sweeping  our  meeting  house. 

(25)  Also  voted,  To  raise  sixteen  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate,  according  to  our  vote  January  6th,  1  725-6. 

^Also  voted.  Each  man  to  have  four  shillings  per  load  for  Mr.  Backus' 
wood 

Also  voted.  To  adjourn  this  meeting  from  our  meeting  house  to  the 
dwelling  house  of  the  widow  Elizabeth  Androus. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  To  Joseph  Hurlbut,  jun.,  three  pounds,  eight 
shillings,  six  pence,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate. 

Also  voted,  To  have  a  new  seating  of  our  meeting  house. 

Also  voted,  Isaac  Buck,  Samuel  Churchel  and  Felatiah  Buck,  a  com- 
mittee to  seat  our  meeting  house. 

April  SO,  1733. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held,  upon  the  30th  day  of  April,  1 733,  voted  and  agreed  as 
foUoweth ; 

Voted  and  agreed,  Captain  John  Camp,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted  and  agreed,  Samuel  Hunn,  sen.,  and  Joseph  Hurlbut,  sen., 
both  of  Newington,  a  committee  to  order  the  prudentials  of  the  parsonage 
belonging  to  Newington  parish,  to  sue  or  dispossess  any  person  or  persons 
that  has,  do,  or  shall  enter  on  the  said  parsonage  as  trespassers,  at  the 
charge  of  the  society. 

December  17,  1733. 

At  a  society  (meeting)  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  upon  the 
17th  day  of  December,  1733,  lawfully  assembled  and  held,  voted  and 
agreed  as  foUoweth : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Joseph  Benton,  Dea.  John  Deming  and  Nathaniel 
Churchel,  a  committee  for  tbe  year  ensuing,  with  as  much  power  as  to  the 
prudentials  of  our  society,  as  the  selectmen  in  the  town. 

Also  voted  and  agreed,  Josiah  Killburn  and  Pelatiah  Buck,  collectors  to 
gather  our  minister  and  society  rates. 

Voted  and  granted,  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus  for  his  salary,  five 
pence  half  penny  on  the  pound,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate. 

Also  voted,  To  raise  a  half  penny  on  the  pound  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate,  to  be  added  to  Mr.  Backus'  salary  this  year. 

Also  voted.  To  raise  a  rate  of  sixteen  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate  for  Mr.  Backus'  wood,  and  each  man  shall  be  allowed  four  shillings 
per  load  if  he  bring  good  loads.  Samuel  Hunn,  Sen:,  and  Eliphalet  Whit- 
tlesey a  Committee  to  inspect  the  loads.  And  our  Society's  committee  for 
the  year  ensuing  to  appoint  and  warn  suitable  days  for  the  carrying  of 
Mr.  Backus'  wood,  and  whomsoever  don't  carry  his  proportion  of  wood  on 
the  said  days  appointed  by  the  Committee,  shall  pay  according  to  our  vote 
January  the  6th,  1725-6. 

(26).  Voted  and  granted.  To  the  widow  Sarah  Whaples  one  pound, 
five  shillings  for  sweeping  our  meeting  house. 

Also  voted,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  twelve  shillings. 


45 

Also  voted,  To  Samuel  Hunn,  Sen.,  and  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Sen.,  the  sum 
of  four  pounds,  eleven  shillinfjs  six  pence. 

Also  voted,  To  Ebenezer  Killburn  and  Joseph  Benton  for  charges  past 
sixteen  shillings:  all  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  other  ratable  estate. 

March  20,.17S4. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  20th  day  of  March,  1733-4,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Samuel  Hunn,  Sen.,  and  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Sen.,  both 
of  Newington,  a  Committee,  to  order  the  prudentials  of  the  parsonage 
belonging  to  Newington  parish,  to  defend  said  parsonage  from  any  person 
or  persons  that  has  or  shall  illegally  enter  thereon,  to  sue  or  dispossess  all 
such  persons  that  shall  enter  thereon  to  cultivate  or  improve  said  land 
without  liberty  of  our  society,  or  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  at  the 
change  of  the  society. 

December  16,  1734. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  16th  day  of  December,  1734,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth  : 

Also  voted,  Lt.  Martin  Kellogg  moderator  for  this  meeting.* 

Also  voted.  To  adjourn  this  meeting  from  our  meeting  house  to  the 
dwelling  house  of  Lt.  Martin  Kellogg,  and  there  to  hold  our  meeting.f 

Also  voted,  Nathaniel  Churchel,  Samuel  Hunn,  Sen.,  and  Ensign  Rich- 
ard Borman,  a  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  William  Androus,  Collector  for  our  minister's  rate,  also 
voted  Ebenezer  Killburn,  Collector,  to  collect  our  society  rate. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  for  his  salary, 
one  hundred  pounds  for  this  year,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  other 
ratable  estate. 

Also  voted,  To  raise  eighteen  pounds  on  polls  and  all  other  ratable 
estate,  for  Mr.  Backus'  wood  :  and  each  man  shall  be  allowed  4s.  per  load, 
to  be  raised  according  to  our  vote  and  act,  January  the  6th,  1725-6,  for  the 
getting  our  minister's  wood. 

Also  voted,  one  pound  to  the  widow  Sarah  Whaples  for  sweeping  the 
meeting  house. 

(27)  Also  voted,  To  finish  the  galleries  in  our  meeting  house,  and  lath 
and  plaster  the  walls  up  to  the  plates  and  beams,  and  to  glass  the  lower 
windows  of  our  meeting  house. 

Also  voted,  To  raise  fifty  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  to 
defray  the  charge  of  finishing  our  meeting  house,  that  is  to  say,  twenty 
and  five  pounds  to  be  raised  on  the  present  list  of  our  society,  and  to  be 
paid  to  our  Committee  for  that  work  by  the  last  of  March  next  ensuing, 
and  twenty  and  five  pounds  to  be  raised  on  the  next  list,  for  the  year  1 735, 
and  to  be  paid  by  the  last  of  December  next  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  Lt.  Martin  Kellogg,  Jonathan  Whaples  and  Samuel 
Churchel,  a  Committee  to  finish  our  meeting  house. 

Also  voted,  Lt.  Martin  Kellogg  and  David  Wright,  a  school  committee 
for  the  year  ensuing,  also  voted  to  keep  a  school  two  months  at  the  north- 
era  part  of  our  society,  and  four  months  in  the  middle  of  our  society,  and 
two  months  at  the  southern  part  of  our  soGi<  ty. 

*  He  was  appointed  a  Captain  by  the  General  Assembly  at  their  October 
Session,  1735. 

t  This  was  probably  the  Williams  house,  which  became  his  residence  and  in 
which  he  died  Nov.  13,  1753,  aged  68. 


46 

Also  voted,  Five  pounds  to  the  school  if  it  be  kept  according  to  our 
votes. 

Also  voted,  Ensign  Richard  Borman  and  Mr.  Abraham  Woring  to 
inspect  the  loads  carried  to  Mr.  Backus,  and  to  allow  four  shillings  per 
load,  if  good  loads,  if  not,  according  to  their  judgment,  they  shall  allow 
each  one  for  his  load  or  loads. 

December  IS,  173S. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  15th  day  of  December,  1735,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth : 

Voted,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Samuel  Hunn,  Sen.,  David  Wright,  and  David  Griswould,  a 
Committee  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society  for  the  year  ensuino-. 

Also  voted,  Gamaliel  Borman,  Collector  to  collect  our  minister's  rate, 
also  voted,  Mr.  Joseph  Woodbridge,  Collector  to  collect  our  society  rate. 

Also  voted,  Caleb  Androus,  and  Pelatiah  Buck,  a  Committee  for  the 
school,  also  voted,  Charles  Hurlbut,  Collector  for  the  school. 

Also  voted.  That  our  Committee,  viz :  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  Samuel 
Churchel,  and  Jonathan  Whaples,  shall  have  power  to  repair  our  meeting 
house,  mend  the  roof,  clapboarding,  and  underpinning. 

(28)  Also  voted.  That  the  overplus  money  in  our  last  minister's  rate, 
now  in  William  Androus'  hand,  two  pounds  seventeen  shillings,  to  be 
given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  To  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  one  hundred  and  twenty 
pounds,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  for  his  salary  this  year. 

Also  voted.  To  raise  eighteen  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate, 
according  to  our  vote  January  the  6th,  1725-6.  Each  man  to  have  four 
shillings  per  load  if  he  carries  good  loads.  Also  voted,  Samuel  Hunn, 
Sen.  and  Mr.  Eliphalet  WhittelsQy  to  inspect  the  loads  carried  on  the  day 
appointed  by  our  Committee. 

Also  voted.  To  widow  Sarah  Whaples,  one  pound  ten  shillings  :  also 
voted,  to  Mr.  Elisha  Mix,  one  pound  :  all  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  other 
ratable  estate. 

December  20,  1736. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  20th  day  of  December,  1 736,  voted  and  agreed 
as  followeth : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Sen.,  John  Patterson,  Sen.  and  Caleb 
Androus,  a  Committee  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society  for  the  year 
ensuing,  with  as  much  power  as  the  select  men  in  the  town. 

Also  voted,  Jabezeth  Whittlesey,  Jun.,  Collector  to  collect  our  minister's 
rate  and  society  rate. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  to  raise  a  rate 
of  sixpence  on  the  pound  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  for  his  salary  for 
this  year. 

Also  voted,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Sen.,  Caleb  Androus,  ^d  John  Patterson, 
rate-makers  for  this  year. 

Also  voted.  To  raise  a  rate  of  three  farthings  on  the  pound,  on  polls 
and  all  ratable  estate  to  defray  the  charge  already  arisen  in  our  meeting 
house,  and  for  glass,  and  for  mending  the  roof  of  our  meeting  house. 

Voted,  to  raise  eighteen  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  for  Mr. 
Backus'  wood,  and  each  man  shall  have  four  shillings  per  load,  to  be  raised 
according  to  our  vote  January  the  6th,  1725-6. 


47 

Also  voted,  To  seat  our  meeting  house:  also  voted,  Lt.  Ephraim  Deming 
Capt.  Martin  Kellogg  and  David  Curtis,  a  Committee  to  seat  our  meeting 
house. 

(29)  Also  voted,  To  Caleb  Androus  one  pound  ten  shillings  for 
sweeping  our  meeting  house. 

Voted,  To  Ephraim  Whaples  three  shillings  six  pence. 

Voted,  To  Charles  Hurlbut  three  shillings  six  pence. 

Voted,  To  Jonathan  Whaples  three  shillings. 

Also  voted,  to  erect  a  new  pound  in  the  place  where  the  pound, . 

Also  voted,  Pelatiah  Buck,  Charles  Hurlbut,  and  Robert  Wells,  a  Com- 
mittee for  the  school. 

Also  voted  and  agreed,  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  Lt.  Richard  Borman, 
a  Committee  in  behalf  of  our  society,  to  act  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon 
Backus  about  that  part  of  our  parsonage  that  is  not  yet  fenced,  to  let  out 
said  land  to  such  person  or  persons  as  shall  fence  said  land,  as  they  shall 
think  fit  until  the  fence  be  paid  for. 

December  19,  1737. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  19th  day  of  December,  1737,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth : 

Also  voted,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Lt.  Ephraim  Deming,  James  Francis  and  Ebenezer  Smith, 
a  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing,  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society. 

Also  voted.  That  our  Committee,  Lt.  Ephraim  Deming,  Mr.  James 
Francis  and  Ebenezer  Smith,  (be)  rate-makers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  Joseph  Deming,  Collector,  to  collect  our  minister  and  society 
rates. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  one  hundred  and  thirty  pounds  to  be  raised  on 
polls  and  all  ratable  estate  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus'  salary  for  the 
year  past. 

Also  voted,  Jonathan  WTiaples,  Joshua  Androus,  a  Committee  for  the 
school,  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  Twenty-two  pounds  for  Mr.  Backus'  wood,  to  be 
raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  according  to  our  act  in  the  year 
1726,  and  each  man  shall  be  allowed  four  shillings  per  load. 

Also  voted.  That  our  Committee  for  the  time  being  shall  watch  on  (?) 
the  loads  or  part  of  loads  that  are  carried  to  Mr.  Backus,  and  said  Com- 
mittee shall  appoint  three  several  days  for  carrying  said  wood,  between 
this  time  and  the  (30)  first  of  March  next  ensuing,  and  whosoever  doth 
not  carry  his  proportion  of  wood  by  the  first  of  March,  shall  pay  their 
wood  rate  in  money,  and  to  be  collected  by  the  Collector. 

Also  voted,  Seven  pounds  ten  shillings  for  the  school. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  To  raise  a  rate  of  three  farthings  on  the  pound, 
on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  to  defray  our  society  charges. 

December  18,  1738. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  18th  day  of  December,  1738,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Ebenezer  Smith,  Thomas  Francis  and  Mr.  Josiah  Deming, 
a  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing,  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society. 

Also  voted,  John  Gillit,  Collector,  to  collect  our  minister's  rate  and 
society  rate. 

Also  voted,  That  our  Committee,  Ebenezer  Smith,  Thomas  Francis,  and 
Mr.  Josiah  Deming  shall  be  ratemakers  for  the  year  ensuing. 


48 

Also  voted,  Mr,  James  Francis,  Pelatiah  Buck,  and  David  Wright  a 
school  committee,  and  said  David  Wright  a  school  collector. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  One  pound  ten  shillings  to  Caleb  Androus  for 
sweeping  our  meeting  house. 

Voted  and  granted,  4s.  6d.  to  Ephraim  Doming,  four  shillings  to  Joseph 
Deming,  for  service  done. 

Also  voted.  To  raise  twenty  pounds  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate  for 
Mr.  Backus'  wood,  and  each  man  to  be  allowed  four  shillings  per  load,  and 
our  Committee  to  act  according  as  we  voted  December  the  19th,  1737. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  for  his  salary 
for  the  year  past,  ninety  pounds,  to  be  paid  in  grain  at  the  price  that  grain 
went  at  on  the  first  of  March,  that  year  that  ninety  pounds  became  due  to 
him,  said  Backus,  by  our  contract  or  covenant  in  his  first  settling  with  us. 

Also  voted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Backus,  Mr.  Josiah  Deming,  Ebenezer 
Smith  and  Thomas  Francis,  that  they  search  and  find  out  what  the  price 
of  grain  was  on  the  first  of  March,  the  year  above  referred  to. 

(31)  Also  voted.  To  raise  a  half  fartliing  on  the  pound  on  polls  and 
all  ratable  estate  to  defray  our  society  charges. 

Also  voted,  To  give  or  discharge  the  widow  Beecraft  (?)  of  her  two 
last  society  rates. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus  8s.  5d.  already 
in  his  hands. 

December  17,  1789. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  upon  the 
seventeenth  day  of  December,  1739,  voted  and  agreed  as  foUoweth : 

Capt.  John  Camp,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Thomas  Francis,  Caleb  Androus  and  Josiah  Killburn,  a 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society. 

Also  voted,  Abraham  Woring,  Jun.,  Collector  to  collect  our  minister's 
rate  and  society  rate. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  for  his  salary 
for  the  year  past,  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds,  to  be  raised  on  polls  and 
all  ratable  estate,  to  be  paid  in  money  or  grain  at  the  market  price. 

Also  voted.  That  the  fourteen  loads  of  wood  already  carried  to  Mr. 
Backus,  shall  be  allowed  and  paid,  lour  shillings  per  load  to  them  that 
carried  it. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  To  our  last  committee,  Josiah  Deming,  Thomas 
Francis,  and  Ebenezer  Smith,  three  pounds,  eight  shillings,  two  pence. 

Also  voted.  To  raise  two  farthings  on  the  pound  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate,  to  pay  charges  past,  and  for  repairing  our  meeting  house,  and  for 
making  two  horse  blocks  ;  to  be  done  by  our'grand  Committee. 

Also  voted,  James  Francis,  David  Wright,  and  Joseph  Benton,  a  school 
committee,  also  Joseph  Benton,  Collector,  to  collect  our  school  money. 

Also  voted.  To  hold  our  school,  some  part  of  the  time,  at  the  north  end 
of  our  society,  at  some  convenient  place. 

Also  voted.  That  for  the  future  our  annual  meeting  be  held  on  the  first 
Monday  in  Decembei-,  beginning  at  ten  of  the  clock  in  the  morning. 

December  1,  1740. 

(32)  At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish, 
lawfully  assembled  and  held  upon  the  first  day  of  December,  ]  740,  voted 
and  agreed  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Dea.  Jabezeth  Whittelsey,  moderator  for  this 
meeting. 

Also  voted,    Mr.  Joseph  Woodbridgc,   Ensign   John   Patterson    and 


49 

Abraham  Woring,  a  Committee  for  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our  society 
for  the  year  ensuing,  and  also  rate-makers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Also  voted,  John  Camp,  Jun.,  Collector,  for  to  collect  our  minister  and 
society  rate. 

Also  voted,  granted,  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  to  be  raised  on  polls 
and  all  other  ratable  estate  for  Mr.  Simon  Backus'  salary  for  the  year 
past. 

Also  voted,  Twenty  pounds  to  be  raised  on  polls  and  all  ratable  estate, 
for  Mr.  Backus'  wood,  and  each  man  shall  have  five  shillings  per  load. 

Also  voted.  That  our  Committee  set  each  man  his  part  or  proportion  of 
wood,  and  appoint  suitable  time  or  times  for  carrying  said  wood,  every 
man  neglecting  or  refusing  shall  pay  the  money.  Also  voted,  That  our 
Collector  shall  gather  said  money  of  such  person  or  persons  that  neglect 
or  refuse. 

Also  our  Committee  for  the  time  being,  shall  inspect  every  man's  load, 
and  allow  him  five  shillings  for  a  good  load,  and  so  in  proportion  for  a 
lesser  quantity. 

Also  voted,  To  raise  two  farthings  on  the  pound  on  polls  and  all  ratable 
estate,  to  defray  the  charge  of  a  school,  as  the  law  directs,  and  other 
society  charge  of  the  year  past. 

Also  voted,  Jklr.  James  Francis,  Ensign  John  Patterson,  Joseph  Benton, 
John  Gillit  and  Samuel  Churchel,  a  Committee  for  the  school. 

Also  voted,  To  have  a  school  kept  in  our  society  six  months  as  the  law 
directs,  to  be  kept  at  the  south  end  of  our  society,  and  in  the  middle,  and 
at  the  north  end,  and  at  west  side  of  our  society :  and  each  part  to  have 
their  proportion  of  time  and  money. 

Also  voted,  To  erect  a  pound  at  or  near  Reuben  Whaples'  barn  in  our 
society. 

(33)  Also  voted,  Abraham  Woring,  Sen.,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Sen.,  a 
Committee  to  erect  a  pound  in  said  place.  Also  voted,  Reuben  Whaples 
pound  keeper. 

October  12,  1741. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish,  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upou  the  twelfth  day  of  October,  ]  741,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Twenty-five  loads  of  wood  to  be  forthwith  carried  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Backus,  i  id  the  charge  of  said  wood  at  five  shillings  per  load  to 
be  defrayed  by  our  society. 

■N,.  Also  voted,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  Lt.  Ephraim  Deming,  Capt.  John 
Camp,  Josiah  Killburn  and  John  Gillit,  a  Committee  to  treat  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  relating  to  his  wood :  either  to  get  it  by  the  cord 
or  for  some  certain  sum  of  mone}'^,  as  may  be  sufficient. 

December  7,  1741. 

At  a  society  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newington  parish  lawfully 
assembled  and  held  upon  the  seventh  of  December,  1741,  voted  and 
agreed  as  followeth : 

Voted  and  agreed,  Joseph  Hurlbut,  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Also  voted,  Lt.  John  Patterson,  Mr.  Joseph  Hurlbut,  Sen.,  and  Zebulon 
Robbins,  a  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing,  to  order  the  prudentials  of  our 
society. 

Also  voted,  Gideon  Hunn,  a  Collector  to  gather  our  minister  rate  and 
society  rate. 

Also  voted  and  granted,  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  to  be  raised  on 
polls  and  all  ratable  estate,  for  Mr.  Backus'  salary  for  the  year  past. 

7 


60 

Also  voted  and  granted,  Twenty-four  pounds  to  be  raised  on  polls  and 
all  ratable  estate  lor  Mr.  Backus'  wood,  and  each  man  that  carries  wood 
to  Mr.  Backus,  shall  be  allowed  for  a  good  load  of  wood,  six  shillings  per 
load,  and  for  lesser  quantity  in  proportion,  and  our  Committee  for  the  time 
being,  to  inspect  the  loads,  or  part  of  loads  so  carried,  and  to  allow  in 
proportion  of  what  we  carry,  and  said  Committee  to  appoint  (a,)  suitable 
day  for  carrying  said  wood. 

(34)  Also  voted  and  granted,  To  Ebenezer  Killburn,  one  pound  ten 
shillings. 

Also  voted  and  granted.  Seven  pounds  twelve  shillings  to  Capt.  Martin. 
Kellogg,  for  keeping  school. 

Also  voted,  Samuel  Churchel,  Joseph  Benton,  and  Josiah  Killburn,  a 
Committee  for  the  school  * 

December  3,  1744. 

(35)  At  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  society  of  Newington, 
legally  assembled  and  held  on  the  3d  day  of  December,  1 744. 

At  said  meeting,  Peletiah  Buck,  David  Wright  and  William  Smith 
were  chosen  a  society's  committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

At  said  meeting,  Robert  Wells  was  chosen  clerk  for  this  society  and 
sworn. 

At  said  meeting,  Oliver  Atwood  was  chosen  collector  for  the  (year) 
ensuing  to  collect  the  rates. 

At  said  meeting,  They  agreed  to  give  to  the  llev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus  for 
his  salary  for  the  year  past,  one  hundred  and  ninety  pounds,  old  tenor. 

At  said  meeting,  It  was  agreed  that  the  school  should  be  divided  into 
four  parts  for  the  year  ensuing. 

At  said  meeting,  it  was  voted.  That  the  west  side  people  have  a  reason- 
able allowance  in  respect  of  the  school  for  the  time  past. 

At  said  meeting.  They  voted  ten  pounds  for  the  school. 

At  said  meeting,  Lieut.  John  Paterson  and  Sergeant  Ebben"  Smith 
were  chosen  a  committee  to  get  the  country  money  from  Farmington. 

At  said  meeting,  it  was  voted.  To  Mr.  Backus  fifty  pounds  money,  old 
tenor,  for  his  fire-wood  this  present  year ;  and  any  man  hath  liberty  to 
pay  his  proportional  part  of  said  fifty  pounds  in  green  oak  or  walnut  wood, 
corded  up  at  Mr.  Backus's  door  at  or  before  the  first  day  of  February  next, 
at  25  (?)  shillings  per  cord. 

At  said  meeting,  Josiah  Killburn,  John  Camp  and  Eliphelet  W^hittlesey 
be  a  school  committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

At  said  meeting,  voted,  Thirty  shillings  for  Sergt.  Caleb  Aiidrous  for 
sweeping  the  meeting-house  the  year  past. 

At  said  meeting,  voted.  That  James  Frajicis  have  seven  shillings  for  a 
load  of  wood. 

At  said  meeting,  voted.  That  the  meeting  should  be  dissolved.f 


During  the  reign  of  King  George  II  over  Great  Britain, 
extending  from  1727  to  1760,  a  general  European  war  broke 
out  relating  to  the  succession  to  the  throne  of  Austria,  made 
vacant  by  the  death  of  the  Austrian  emperor,  Charles  VI. 
The  succession  of  the   eldest   daughter   of  Charles,   Marie 

*  All  the  preceding  records  are  in  the  hand  writing  of  Josiah  Willard,  Clerk 
of  the  Society,  from  its  beginning  to  this  time.  For  the  next  two  years,  1742, 
and  1743,  there  are  no  records  extant. 

t  There  are  no  records  for  the  years  1745  and  1746.  • 


51 

Theresa,  had  been  guaranteed  by  a  general  treaty  called  the 
"  Pragmatic  Sanction  ; "  yet  on  the  death  of  the  emperor, 
numerous  competitors  arose  for  different  portions  of  his  do- 
minions. This  involved  Europe  in  the  war  of  the  "  Austrian 
Succession,"  called,  in  relation  to  the  operations  in  this 
country,  "  King  George's  War." 

England  and  France  were  arrayed  upon  opposite  sides,  and 
so  far  as  they  were  concerned,  the  war  lasted  from  1744  to 
1748.  The  most  important  event  of  the  war  in  America 
was  the  siege  and  capture,  by  the  colonies,  of  Louisburg,  a 
French  fortress  on  the  south-east  side  of  the  island  of  Cape 
Breton,  separated  from  Nova  Scotia  by  the  narrow  channel  of 
Canseau.  It  was  strongly  fortified,  and  was  justly  regarded 
by  France  as  the  Gibraltar  of  her  American  possessions* 
The  expedition  against  Louisburg  was  projected  in  the  winter 
of  1744-5,  in  Boston,  by  Gov.  William  Shirley.  He  proposed 
the  plan  to  the  colonial  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  then  in 
session  in  Boston,  who  had  previously  bound  themselves  to 
secrecy.  Alter  a  good  deal  of  opposition,  it  was  resolved  by 
the  assembly,  by  one  majority,  to  undertake  the  expedition. 
Despatches  were  at  once  sent  to  the  neighboring  colonies  to 
join  and  assist  the  enterprise. 

"  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire  sent  3,250  land  forces 
into  the  service,  with  what  ships  of  force  they  had,  and 
needful  transports.  Connecticut  sent  500  land  forces,  in 
transports,  with  Capt.  Prentis  in  the  Defense,  sloop,  with  100 
men  for  the  sea  service.  Rhode  Island  sent  Capt.  Fones  in 
the  Tartar,  with  90  men.  Gov.  Clinton  sent  10  eighteen 
pounders  from  New  York."* 

The  Connecticut  forces  sailed  from  the  Harbor  of  New 
London,  and  arrived  at  Canseau  (or  Canso)  April  25th,  1745, 
where  they  united  with  the  other  forces.  On  April  29th, 
the  fleet  sailed  for  Cape  Breton,  and  arrived  the  next  day  at 
Chapeaurouge  Bay.f     The  enemy  discovered  the  transports 

*1  Conn.  Hist.  Soc.  Col.,  149-50.     See  also,  Trambull's  Hist,  of  Conn. 

t"  April  14,  1745.  Sunday,  about  eleven  of  the  clock,  the  Connecticut  fleet, 
consisting  of  seven  transports  under  the  convoy  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode 
Island  colony  sloops,  sailed  from  New  London." — Rev.  Adonijah  Bidwell's 
Journal.     (27  N.  E.  His.  and  Gen.  Reg.,  153.     April,  1873.) 

It  appears  that  Mr.  Bidwell,  who  went  as  chaplain  to  the  fleet,  heard  Rev.  Mr. 
Williams  preach  at  Louisburg,  June  21st,  1745,  from  John  20:31 ;  Aug,  2l8t, 
from  Ps.  8:4;   and  Sept.  15th,  from  Numb.  14:17, 


52 

from  the  town,  which  was  the  first  intimation  they  had  of  the 
design  against  them.  The  forces  were  landed,  and  after  a 
siege  which  lasted  till  June  17th,  1745,  the  city  of  Louisbm-g 
and  the  island  of  Cape  Breton  were  surrendered  to  the  New 
England  forces.  After  the  object  of  the  expedition  had  thus 
been  attained,  the  fort  had  to  be  garrisoned.  Connecticut 
kept  350  men  there  till  about  May  24th,  1746,  when  they 
were  relieved  by  government  forces.  It  was  held  by  England 
till,  by  the  treaty  of  Aix-la-Chapelle,  Oct.  18th,  1748,  all 
conquests  made  by  both  parties  were  mutually  restored,  and 
Louisburg  again  went  into  the  possession  of  the"  French. 
Great  sickness  and  mortality  prevailed  among  the  troops  in 
garrison  during  the  winter  following  the  capture  of  Louisburg. 

Rev.  Simon  Backus  was  the  chaplain  to  the  Connecticut 
forces  at  that  time.  Rev.  Elisha  Williams  had  been  appointed 
chaplain  in  March,  1745.*  He  had  probably  resigned  in 
August,  1745,  as  in  that  month  the  General  Assembly  passed  a 
resolution  desiring  him  to  continue  in  that  position.  He  did 
not,  however,  comply  with  their  wishes,  for  in  October,  1745, 
the  Assembly  passed  the  following  resolution :  "  Resolved 
by  this  Assembly,  that  his  Honor,  the  Governor,  with  the 
council  of  war  at  Milford,  be  impowered,  and  they  are  hereby 
impowered  to  supply  our  forces  in  garrison  at  Louisburg  with 
a  chaplain  if  need  be." 

They  appointed  Mr.  Backus,  probably  soon  after.  He 
went  to  Louisburg  and  there,  after  closing  the  eyes  of  many 
a  son  of  Connecticut  in  death,  he  himself  fell  a  victim  to  the 
prevailing  sickness,  and  died  March  15th,  1745-6. f 

The  parish  of  Newington  was  peculiarly  unfortunate.  It 
had  given  up  its  first  pastor  to  serve  the  public  benefit ;  now 
it  had  lost  its  second  pastor  while  serving  in  a  cause  equally 
for  the  public  good.  Mr.  Backus  left  a  widow  and  a  family 
of  children,  who  had  been  dependent  upon  him  for  their  sup- 
port. In  their  straitened  circumstances,  they  considered  that 
they  had  a  claim  on  the  colony  for  relief.  A  claim  which  is 
generally  recognized  by  all  nations  in  granting  pensions  to 

*In  Feb.,  1745,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg  was  appointed  one  of  the  captains  "in 
the  expedition  against  Cape  Breton." — State  Archives,  War,  IV,  164. 
tl  Conn.  Hist.  Soc.  Col.,  p.  162. 


53 

the  widows  and  orphans  of  those  who  have  died    in  their 
country's  service  while  "  in  the  line  of  their  duty." 

Mrs.  Backus  presented  the  following  petition  to  the  General ' 
Assembly : 

To  the  Honorable,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut,  now  convened  and  sitting  in  Hartford,  in  said 
Colony,  this  eighth  day  of  May,  Anno  Domini,  1746  : 

The  memorial  of  Eunice  Backus,  of  the  parish  of  Newing- 
ton,  in  the  County  of  Hartford,  humbly  sheweth.  That  her 
late  husband,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Backus,  in  compliance  with  public 
desire  and  order,  was  induced  to  leave  his  family  and  minis- 
terial charge  at  Newington,  and  to  repair  to  Louisburg,  there 
to  reside  in  quality  of  a  chaplain  to  the  troops  from  this 
Colony  in  garrison  there :  That  not  long  after  his  arrival 
there,  it  pleased  God  so  to  dispose  that  he,  in  the  general  mor- 
tality, was  carried  to  the  place  of  silence  :  That  what  he 
carried  and  Jiad,  and  left  at  Louisburg,  to  the  amount  of 
about  X300,  in  clothing,  money,  etc.,  being  on  his  decease 
sliipped  for  transportation  home,  is  since  unquestionably  lost, 
either  in  the  seas  or  taken  by  the  enemy :  That  over  and 
above  his  annual  salary,  the  small  estate  he  left,  or  tlie 
utmost  profit  thereof,  will  go  but  a  little  way  towards  a  sub- 
sistence for  your  poor  memorialist  and  her  seven  (mostly) 
small  children  :  That  of  her  and  family,  chief  comfort  and, 
under  God,  principal  dependence  and  support,  in  the  prime 
and  flower  of  his  day  for  usefulness,  she  being  so  sorely 
bereaved,  and  that  for  the  more  public  and  common  good : 
She  thereupon  humbly  prays  your  Honors'  kind  and  compas- 
sionate interposal  in  the  premises  in  manner  in  any  wise 
tending  to  her  relief,  and  she,  your  Honors'  poor,  distressed 
memorialist,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray,  etc.  Dated 
at  Newington,  this  eighth  day  of  May,  Anno  Domini,  1746. 

Eunice  Backus. 

The  General  Assembly  were  not  deaf  to  her  prayer.  They 
passed  the  following  resolution  : 

Upon  the  memorial  of  Mrs.  Eunice  Backus,  respecting 
the  decease  of  her  husband,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus, 
residing  at  Louisburg  in  quality  of  chaplain,  etc.,  and  the 
distressed  state  of  her  family  thereupon,  etc.,  and  praying 
relief: 

Resolved  by  this  Assembly,  That  the  memorialist  have 
granted  to  her  for  her  and  her  family's  present  subsistence, 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  Colony,  the  sum 
of  one  hundred  pounds,  in  old  tenor  bills.  And  that  the 
further  consideration  of  her  said  memorial  be  referred  to  the 


54 

session  of  the  General  Assembly  at  New  Haven,  to  be  holden 
in  October  next. 

At  the  October  session  the  Assembly  made  an  additional 
appropriation  for  her  benefit  as  follows  : 

Upon  the  memorial  of  Mrs.  Eunice  Backus,  of  the  parish 
of  Newington,  representing  tlie  grievous  circumstances  of 
herself  and  family,  which  hath  happened  by  occasion  of  the 
death  of  her  husband,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  who 
lately  deceased,  while  in  the  service  of  tliis  government  at 
Louisburg,  and  particularly  the  loss  of  a  considerable  part  of 
his  estate,  that  happened  thereby.    And  praying  for  relief,  <fec. 

Resolved  hy  this  Assembly — That  the  memorialist  shall 
receive  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  colony  the  sum  of 
two  hundred  pounds,  in  bills  of  credit  of  the  old  tenor,  over 
and  above  the  hundred  pounds  granted  to  her  by  this 
Assembly  in  May  last. 

The  expedition  for  the  capture  of  Louisbijrg  had  been 
sTiccessful  beyond  all  anticipations.  Its  conquest  was  rever- 
ently attributed  by  some  to  the  special  favor  of  an  overruling 
Providence,  while  others  looked  upon  its  incidents  as  touched 
with  the  hues  of  romance  and  adventure.  The  acquisition 
was  hailed  with  general  joy  in  New  England,  saddened,  it  is 
true,  by  the  remembrance  of  the  brave  and  precious  ones  who 
came  not  back  with  their  comrades,  but  had  been  "  carried  to 
the  place  of  silence."  Soldier  and  chaplain  slept  together. 
Mrs.  Backus  was  not  alone  in  her  distress  at  that  time.  Her 
experience  has  often  been  paralleled  before  and  since.  The 
fathers,  and  husbands,  and  sons  who  march  to  the  cannon's 
mouth  and  die  nobly  for  their  country  are  not  the  only 
heroes.  The  bereaved  mothers,  and  wives,  and  daughters 
who,  for  long  years  after,  struggle  at  home  and  in  obscurity 
in  the  unequal  battle  against  unpropitious  circumstances, 
exhibit  a  heroism  more  enduring  and  a  courage  more  severely 
tested.  He  who  dies  upon  the  battle  field  may  feel  in  hi& 
heart  that  it  is  sweet  to  die  for  his  country,  but  it  is  bitterness 
to  his  widow,  who  has  his  family  of  children  to  rear  single- 
handed  and  alone.  The  death  of  the  former  is  heralded 
abroad,  and  his  memory  is  cherished  by  his  grateful  country- 
men ;  the  toils  and  trials  of  the  otlier  arc  unknown  to  fame, 
and  only  known  to  Him  who  knows  all  things,  and  who  will 
at  last  bring  all  things  into  remembrance. 


55 


THIRD     PERIOD,     1747-1S08. 

The  death  of  Rev.  Simon  Backus,  at  Cape  Breton,  on 
March  15,  1746,  as  already  related,  made  it  necessary  for  the 
parish  to  settle  another  minister.  Rev.  Joshua  Belden  began 
to  preach  May  10,  1747,  if  not  earlier,  and  proved  acceptable 
to  the  people.  On  June  15,  1747,  the  society  voted  to  give 
him  a  call  to  settle  as  pastor  over  the  parish,  with  a  settle- 
ment of  nine  hundred  pounds,  and  a  salary  of  two  hundred 
and  fifty  pounds,  old  tenor,  a  year,*  These  sums  were 
increased  at  a  meeting  held  August  18,  1747,  when  it  was 
agreed  to  make  his  settlement  one  thousand  pounds,  payable 
in  three  annual  installments,  and  to  add  fifty-seven  pounds  to 
his  yearly  salary,  payable  in  grain  or  its  equivaleiit. 

Mr.  Belden  accepted  these  terms,  and  was  ordained 
November  11,  1747,  and  continued  pastor  till  January  16, 
1805,  over  fifty-seven  years.  The  society  felt  that  it  would 
be  a  great  burden  for  them  to  pay  Mr.  Belden  his  settlement, 
and  as  it  had. come  upon  them  on  account  of  the  death  of  Mr. 
Backus  in  the  public  service,  whom  the  society  had  given  up 
at  the  call  of  the  General  Assembly,  it  was  not  doubted  that 
the  Assembly  would  "stretch  forth  a  hand  for  their  relief" 
upon  a  proper  representation  of  the  facts  being  made  to  them. 

*These  sums,  apparently  large,  were  really  moderate.  Currency  at  this  time 
was  greatly  depreciated,  and  its  value  very  uncertain  and  fluctuating.  Current 
coin  was  worth  eigiit  shillings  per  ounce.  It  was  by  this  standard  that  bills  of 
credit  were  compared.  In  1710  bills  were  at  par.  In  17:^1  it  took  twelve  shil- 
lings in  currency  to  buy  an  ounce  of  silver;  in  1724  fifteen  shillings,  in  1732 
eighteen  shillings,  in  1739  twenty-six  shillings,  in  1742  twenty-eight  shillings,  iu 
1744  thirty-two  shillings.  The  bills  of  credit  issued  up  to  this  time  were  all  old 
tenor,  but  by  "  King  George's  War"  the  people  were  put  to  great  expense,  and  in 
the  depreciated  condition  of  their  bills  they  resorted  to  a  new  issue  of  currency, 
called  new  tenor.  Connecticut  emitted,  in  Mav,  1744,  £4,000;  in  October,  1744, 
£1.5,000;  in  March,  1745,  £20,000;  in  July,  174.5,  £20,000;  in  May,  1746, 
£20,000.  These  new  issues  had  a  disastrous  elfect.  They  damaged  the  old 
emissions,  but  did  not  sink  so  low  as  the  latter,  one  shilling  new  tenor  being- 
equal  to  three  shillings  and  sixpence  old  tenor.  Accounts  were,  however,  kept 
and  payments  made  in  old  tenor.  After  this  inflation  the  depreciation  was  about 
as  follows :  In  1745  it  took  thirty-five  shillings  in  .currency  to  buy  an  ounce  of 
silver;  in  1746,7  and  8,  thirty-seven  to  forty  shillings;  in  1749,  1750,  1751, 
1752,  sixty  shillings.  The  JSritish  Parliament  appropriated  in  1747  about 
£800,000  to  reimburse  the  colonies  for  their  expenses  in  the  l.ouisburg  expedi- 
tion. Of  this  sum  Connecticut  received  about  £28,864.  Coimccticut  used  ihis 
money  in  redeeming  her  bills  of  credit,  which  was  accomplished  by  1756.  She 
redeemed  them  at  the  market  price,  paying  one  ounce  of  silver  for  fifty-eight 
shillings  and  eight  pence  in  paper,  or  dt  the  rate  of  one  shilling  for  eight  shillings 
and  ten  pence.     (^These  facts  are  taken  from  Branson's  Conn.  Curreticy.) 


56 

Accordingly,  at  a  meeting  held  September  7,  1747.  Mr. 
Josiali  Deming  was  appointed  an  agent  to  exhibit  a  memorial 
to  the  Assembly,  "  to  request  some  consideration  for  the  loss 
of  our  minister,  who  died  in  their  service  at  Cape  Breton 
some  time  past." 

Mr.  Deming  presented  the  following  memorial : 
To  the  Honorable  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut, holden  at  Hartford  on  the   second  Thursday  of 
May,  A.  D.  1748. 

The  memorial  of  the  inhabitants  of  tlie  parish  of  Newing- 
ton,  by  their  agent,  Josiah  Deming,  humbly  sheweth — 

That  whereas  our  late  reverend  pastor,  Mr.  Simon  Backus, 
was  called  by  public  authority  to  serve,  as  a  chaplain,  the 
forces  of  tliis  Government  employed  at  Louisburg  for  the 
defence  thereof,  and  we,  in  obedience  thereto,  did  consent  to 
his  undertaking  so  dangerous  a  service,  entirely  relying  on 
the  justice,  honor,  and  goodness  of  the  General  Assembly,  at 
whose  call  we  understood  our  said  pastor  was  willing  to  serve 
their  forces,  in  which  service  he  lost  his  life  and  we  our 
minister,  whereby  a  great  burden  is  rolled  upon  us,  that  of 
the  settlement  of  another  minister,  in  which,  through  the 
good  providence  of  God,  we  are  happily  agreed  ;  yet,  being 
but  a  small  and  poor  society,  we  find  ourselves  greatly  bur- 
dened in  our  paying  the  settlement  of  our  present  minister, 
and  believing  this  honorable  assembly  is  really  interested  in 
our  case,  as  we  have  resigned  into  their  hands  at  their  call  so 
great  a  good,  we  cannot  suifer  ourselves  to  doubt  of  their 
stretching  forth  a  hand  to  our  relief,  and  since  we  understand 
the  Britisli  Parliament  has  voted  a  reimbursement  of  the 
charges  this  colony  has  been  at  in  reducing  and  keeping 
Louisburg,  we  are  the  more  encouraged  at  this  time  to  lay 
our  case  before  this  honorable  assembly,  and  to  beseech  their 
compassion  that  they  would  afford  us  relief  and  help  in  the 
settlement  of  our  present  minister,  and  alleviate  our  burden 
in  such  manner  as  your  lionors  shall  see  fit.  And  your  peti- 
tioners, as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  prav.  Dated  at  Hartford 
the  12th  day  of  May,  1748. 

JOSIAH  DEMING,  Agent. 

The  General  Assembly  did  not  disappoint  the  hopes  of  the 
society,  but  recognised  their  obligation  to  Newington  by  the 
following  resolution : 

Upon  the  memorial  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  parish  of 
Newington,  representing  that  the  reverend  Mr.  Backus,  their 
late  minister,  having  been  called  by  public  authority  to  serve 


57 

as  chaplain  at  Louisburg,  after  having  been  there  some  con- 
siderable time,  died  in  said  service,  to  their  great  and 
unhappy  loss,  and  praying  relief,  &c. 

Resolved  by  this  Assemblt/,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds,  in  bills  of  credit  of  the  old  tenor,  be  paid  and 
delivered  to  the  memorialists,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of 
this  colony. 

This  money  the  society  appropriated  to  the  payment  in 
part  of  the  first  installment  of  Mr.  Belden's  settlement.  This 
relief  from  the  public  treasury  was,  in  a  few  years,  more  than 
counterbalanced  by  the  permanent  loss  to  the  society  of  their 
Farmington  neighl)ors,  who  had  formerly  been  annexed  to 
them  in  compensation  for  the  loss  of  the  Beckleys,  as  has 
been  detailed. 

In  October,  1753,  the  parish  of  Kensington,  being  greatly 
divided  in  sentiment  as  to  the  propriety  of  continuing  as  one 
parish,  or  of  being  divided  into  several  parishes,  sent  a 
memorial  to  the  General  Assembly  requesting  that  a  com- 
mittee might  be  appointed  by  that  body  to  hear  all  parties 
and  determine  what  was  best,  and  make  report  to  the 
Assembly.  This  memorial  was  signed  by  John  Hooker  and 
Isaac  Lee,  as  society  agents. 

The  Assembly  granted  the  prayer  of  the  memorial,  and 
appointed  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Shubael  Conant,  and  Jonathan 
Huntington  a  committee  for  the  service  mentioned,  and  if 
this  committee  should  think  it  best  that  Kensington  should 
be  divided  into  several  parishes,  they  were  authorized  to  give 
notice  to  the  adjacent  parishes  to  appoint  committees  to 
appear  and  be  heard  before  them,  as  to  the  propriety  of 
adding  any  portion  of.  the  adjacent  parishes  to  any  of  the 
proposed  parishes  in  Kensington,  and  they  were  instructed  to 
make  report  of  their  doings  to  the  Assembly  at  that  October 
session,  or  the  one  to  be  held  in  May,  1754.  The  committee 
attended  to  the  duties  of  their  appointment,  and  caused  a 
society  meeting  to  be  called  to  meet  at  Kensington,  Nov.  27, 
1753,  when  96  of  the  members  of  that  parish  were  for  con- 
tinuing in  one  society,  and  81  favored  a  division.  For  the 
two  Ibllowing  days  the  committee  viewed  the  society,  and 
then  adjourned  to  the  3d  Tuesday  of  April,  1754,  and  gave 


58 

notice  to  the  people  of  Newiiigton,  and  first  parish  of  Farm- 
ington,  and  first  society  in  Middletown,  and  the  parish  of 
Meriden,  to  appear  by  their  committees  at  said  meeting  in 
Kensington,  "  to  show  reasons,  if  they  see  cause,  why  there 
should  not  be  some  part  of  their  adjoining  parislies  taken  off 
from  them  to  be  added  to  the  parish  of  Kensington,  to 
accommodate  the  dividing  the  parish  of  Kensington  into 
several  parishes."  All  the  parties  met,  except  the  parish  of 
Meriden,  and  were  fully  heard  on  the  day  appointed.  The 
committee  judged  it  best  and  "  most  for  the  peace  of  the 
said  parish  of  Kensington,"  that  it  should  be  divided  into 
three  distinct  parishes,  with  some  additions  from  other 
societies.  They  made  report  May  16,  1754,  to  the  General 
Assembly,  of  their  doings,  and  of  the  conclusion  to  which 
they  had  arrived,  giving  the  boundaries  of  the  three  proposed 
societies.  By  these  boiindaries  Newington  was  stripped  of 
the  addition  formerly  made  to  its  territory  by  the  annexation 
of  a  part  of  Farmington.  The  society,  at  a  meeting  held 
May  3,  1754,  appointed  Ebenezer  Kilborn  and  Bavil  Seymour 
a  committee  to  appear  before  the  Assembly  and  remonstrate 
against  the  acceptance  of  this  report  of  their  committee,  on 
the  ground  of  the  hardship  it  would  be  to  Newington  to  lose 
so  many  of  its  inhabitants,  "  but  nevertheless  if  tliey  must  bo 
taken  from  us  we  beg  tlie  favor  of  the  honorable  Assembly 
that  we  may  have  an  equivalency  made  us."  The  conunittee 
did  not  succeed  in  preventing  the  taking  away  of  tliese 
inhabitants,  and  of  the  annexed  territory,  but  they  gained 
some  "  equivalency "  therefor.  A  remonstrance  was  also 
presented  to  the  Assembly  May  9,  1754,  by  56  persons  in 
Kensington,  and  nine  from  that  part  of  Farmington  annexed 
to  Newington,  protesting  against  the  acceptance  of  the  com- 
mittee's I'eport,  and  professing  their  desire  to  continue  in 
their  present  situation. 

The  General  Assembly  accepted  the  report,  with  material 
alterations,  confirming  to  Kensington  the  Beckley  quarter,  in 
consideration  of  sixty  pounds  being  paid  Newington  in  three 
annual  installments  of  twenty  pounds  each,  lawful  money,* 

*Probably  pounds  sterlinjif,  and  not  bills  of  credit.     Thia  money  was  called  the 
"  Kensington  consideration." 


59 

and  establishing  the  society  of  New  Britain,  including  that 
part   of  Fannington    formerly    annexed    to   Newington,   as 
appears  by  the  following  act : — 
An  Act  limiting  the  bounds  of  the  parish  of  Kensington,  and 

for  establishing  one  other  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  Farm- 

ington,  in  the  County  of  Hartford. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Grovernor.  Council,  and  Representatives 
in  G-eneral  Court  assembled,  and  hy  the  authority  of  the  same, 
That  the  bounds  of  the  parish  of  Kensington,  for  the  future, 
shall  extend  no  fartlier  north  than  to  an  east  and  west  line 
drawn  across  the  bridge  called  Beach  Swamp  Bridge,  from 
Weatliersfield  town  line  to  Southington  parish  line.  Easterly 
by  the  ancient  line  of  said  Kensington,  including  those  two 
pieces  of  land  taken  off  from  Weathersfield  and  Middletown, 
and  from  the  southwest  corner  of  the  said  Middletown  part 
of  said  Kensington  to  run  westerly  until  it  comes  into  the 
middle  of  the  highways,  where  they  cross  each  other,  between 
the  houses  of  Elisha  Cole  and  Stephen  Cole,  from  thence 
westerly  until  it  comes  to  the  southwest  corner  of  John  Cole's 
home  lot ;  from  thence  due  west  to  said  Southington  Society 
line,  thence  northerly  as  that  line  runs,  to  the  line  first 
mentioned.  And  that  the  parish  taxes  arising,  or  that  shall 
be  levied  on,  tiie  improved  lands  in  said  Kensington,  shall  be 
paid  to  said  society  only.  And  it  is  further  enacted  by  the 
authority  aforesaid,  that  said  parish  of  Kensington  shall  have 
full  power,  and  full  power  and  authority  is  hereby  granted  to 
said  parish,  at  their  legal  meetings,  to  tax  all  such  inhabit- 
ants as  live  south  of  said  society,  and  within  the  ancient 
bounds  of  Kensington,  equally  with  themselves  for  defraying 
the  charge  of  preaching  only,  and  that  their  collectors  have 
full  power  to  collect  the  same,  until  this  Assembly  shall  order 
otherwise.  And  it  is  further  enacted  by  the  authority  afore- 
said. That  the  said  society  of  Kensington,  exclusive  of  those 
inhabitants  that  live  in  the  Weathersfield  part,  shall  pay  to 
the  society  of  Newington  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  lawful 
money,  on  the  first  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1755,  and  twenty 
pounds  more  on  the  first  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1756,  and  twenty 
pounds  more  on  the  first  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1757.  Each 
payment  to  be  made  with  the  lawful  interest  arising  on  such 
sum  from  the  first  day  of  June  next.  And  said  society  of 
Kensington,  exclusive  of  the  said  Weathersfield  part,  shall 
have  full  power,  at  their  legal  meetings,  to  tax  themselves 
for  the  payment  of  the  said  sixty  pounds  and  the  interest 
thereof.  And  that  the  said  society  committee  make  a  rate 
accordingly,  and  that  the  collector,  chosen  in  said  society, 


60 

shall  have  full  power  to  collect  the  same  as  other  society 
rates  by  law  are  collected,  and  pay  the  same  to  tlie  society 
committee  for  the  use  aforesaid.  And  that  the  inhabitants 
living  south  of  said  parish  of  Kensington  shall  have  free 
liberty  to  attend  the  public  worship  with  the  said  society  of 
Kensington  till  this  Assembly  shall  order  otherwise. 

And  it  is  fui'ilier  e^iacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid^  That 
there  shall  be  one  other  ecclesiastical  society  erected  and 
made,  and  is  hereby  erected  and  made,  within  the  bounds  of 
the  town  of  Farmington,  bounded  and  described  as  followeth, 
viz.  :  South  on  the  north  bounds  of  Kensington  parish, 
easterly  on  Weathersfield  town  line,  as  far  north  as  the  north 
side  of  Daniel  Hart's  lot,  where  his  dwelling  house  now 
stands,  and  from  thence  to  run  west  on  the  north  side  of  said 
Hart's  lot  to  the  west  end  of  that  tier  of  lots ;  from  thence  to 
run  southerly  to  the  old  Fulling  mill,  so  called,  on  Pond  river, 
and  from  thence  southerly  to  the  east  side  of  a  lot  of  land 
belonging  to  the  heirs  of  Timothy  Hart,  late  deceased,  near 
Bare  Hollow,  and  from  thence  due  south  until  it  meet  with 
the  north  line  of  Southington  parish  ;  thence  by  said  South- 
ington  line,  as  that  runs,  until  it  comes  to  Kensington  north 
line,  excluding  Thomas  Stanley,  Daniel  Hart  and  John  Clark 
and  their  farms,  on  which  they  now  dwell,  lying  within  the 
bounds  above  described.  And  the  same  is  hereby  erected 
and  made  one  distinct  ecclesiastical  society,  and  sliall  be 
known  by  the  name  of  New  Briton,  with  all  the  powers  and 
privileges  that  other  ecclesiastical  societies  by  law  have  in 
this  colony,  and  that  all  tlie  improved  lands  in  said  society 
shall  be  rated  in  said  society,  excepting  as  before  excepted. 

By  this  act  Newington  was  circumscribed  within  her 
original  limits,  as  first  chartered,  on  all  sides  except  the 
south,  and  there  she  was  permanently  curtailed  of  the  Beck- 
leys.  She  was  left  with  less  territory  than  ever  before  in  her 
history,  and  thus  remained  till  she  was  incorporated  a  town 
in  1871,  when  she  gained  some  addition  to  her  limits  on  the 
east. 

This  particular  territory  of  the  Beckleys  was  incorporated 
as  a  school  district  in  October,  1757.  In  October,  1772,  the 
parish  of  Kensington  was  divided  into  two  societies,  an  east 
and  west  society,  the  west  society  retaining  the  name  of 
Kensington,  and  the  east  being  called  Worthington.  This 
territory  was  included  in  Worthington.  In  May,  1785,  the 
town  of  Berlin   was  incorporated,  including   the  society  of 


61 

Wortliington,  and  of  course  this  territory,  where  it  lias  since 
remained. 

During  the  long  pastorate  of  Mr.  Belden  great  changes 
took  place,  not  only  in  the  parish  but  in  the  colony.  A  few 
of  these  may  be  here  mentioned.  In  the  parish  a  new  meet- 
ing-house was  built  in  1797,  after  a  long  controversy.  The 
society  was  divided  into  three  school  districts  in  1783,  and 
new  school  houses  were  built.  In  May,  1795,  the  General 
Assembly  passed  an  act  appropriating  the  money  arising  from 
the  sale  of  the  western  lands,  amounting  to  ^1,200,000,  by 
which  act  a  distinct  cajjacity  was  recognized  in  ecclesiastical 
societies  as  relative  to  the  objects  of  schooling,  and  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  and  applying  the  avails  of  the  school 
fund  derived  from  the  source  above  mentioned.  And  the 
ecclesiastical  societies  were  denominated  school  societies,  so  far 
forth  as  schools  were  concerned.  (Rev.  Stat,  of  1808,  pp. 
43-44.)  So  that  school  societies  were,  so  to  speak,  carved 
out  of  ecclesiastical  societies.  This  explains  the  reason  why 
the  subject  of  schools  is  not  mentioned  in  our  ecclesiastical 
society  records  after  1796.  The  Newington  School  Society 
probably  was  then  organized,  and  went  into  operation. 

In  May,  1794,  Enock  Kelsey  and  others  petitioned  the. 
General  Assembly  to  annex  to  the  society  of  Wortliington  a 
certain  portion  of  the  adjacent  territory  of  Newington.  That 
body  granted  the  petition,  and  provided  that  this  territory 
should  be  annexed  to  Worthiugton  "  for  parochial  purpose 
merely,  and  shall  hereafter  be  holder,  and  considered  as  part 
and  parcel  of  said  parish  of  Worthtngton."  (1  Pri.  Laws  of 
Conn.,  561.)  By  reason  of  this  annexation  this  territory 
became,  by  force  of  laws  afterwards  passed,  a  portion  of  the 
Worthington  School  society.  And  as  school  societies  were 
authorized  by  law  to  divide  their  territory  into  school  dis- 
tricts, the  school  society  of  "Worthington  apportioned  this 
territory  into  the  northeast  school  district  of  that  society,  now 
the  sixth  and  seventh  school  districts  of  Berlin. 

This  was  the  second  time  the  parish  of  Newington  parted 
with  a  slice  of  her  territory  for  the  benefit  of  her  southern 
neighbors.     For    this     second     dismemberment    Newington 


62 

received  no  compensation.  Her  resources  had  been  seriously 
diminished  in  1754  ;  now  they  were  still  further  crippled  by 
the  strong  arm  of  the  supreme  power  of  the  state. 

There  were  during  this  period  great  national  changes, 
which  may  be  briefly  mentioned. 

The  "French  and  Indian  War"  extended  from  1754  to 
1763,  called  in  Europe  the  "  seven  years  war."  Although 
hostilities  began  in  America  in  1754,  war  was  not  declared 
between  England  and  France  till  1756.  It  was  a  struggle  for 
dominion  in  this  country.  It  resulted  in  the  conquest  of 
Canada  by  England.  By  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  Febi'uary  10, 
1763,  France  surrendered  to  Great  Britain  all  her  possessions 
in  America  east  of  the  Mississippi  river.  Spain  also  ceded 
her  possessions  in  Florida.  The  colonies  freely  responded  to 
the  call  of  the  mother  country  in  this  as  in  all  former  wars, 
sacrificing  men  and  means  in  battle  and  campaign,  till  the 
contest  was  brought  to  a  successful  close.  The  war  of  the 
Revolution  followed,  in  which  the  colonies  for  the  first  time 
turned  their  arms  against  the  oppression  of  England,  and 
achieved  their  independence.  Connecticut  furnished  more 
than  her  full  share  of  blood  and  treasure  in  these  wars.  Every 
town  did  iis  part  in  the  common  cau.se ;  every  parish  suffered, 
Newington  sent  officers  as  well  as  privates  into  the  battalions 
of  the  commonwealth.  Some  of  her  sons  never  came  back  to 
tell  the  story  of  their  deeds,  but  "  died  in  the  public  service." 
Their  names  may  not  be  emblazoned  upon  the  historic  page, 
but  they  are  enshrined  in  the  memories  of  their  grateful 
descendants.  Extracts  from  the  records  of  the  society  during 
these  years  will  give,  in  an  official  and  reliable  form,  a  picture 
of  its  history. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  SOCIETY  RECORDS.— 1747-1805. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  held  June  15,  1747,  it  was  voted — "  To  jrive 
Mr.  Joshua  IJelding  a  call  to  be  our  minister,"  and  to  give  him  "  Nine 
hun(h-e(l  pounds  for  a  settlement  to  be  paid  in  three  years,"  and  "  T«-o 
hundred  pounds,  old  tenor,  money  for  his  salary  the  three  years  whilst  we 
are  paying  his  settlement."  "  That  Dea.  John  Deniing,  Ciij)t.  Josiah  Wil- 
lard,  Peleliah  Buck,  be  a  Committee  to  treat  with  Mr.  Joshua  Balding 
about  his  salary  and  settlement." 

At  a  meeting  held  July  6,  1747,  it  was  voted — "To  give  Mr.  Joshua 
Belding  the  use  of   the  parsonage  so  long  as  he  is  our  minister,  and 


63 

preaches  the  Calvinistical  Doctrine,  as  is  generally,  at  this  day,  preached 
among  the  dissenters."  Also — "  To  give  Mi-.  Belding  8  cords  of  wood 
yearly  whilst  he  is  a  single  person  ....  and  sixteen  cord  of  wood  yearly 
after  marriage,"  and  "  Two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  old  tenor,  money, 
and  the  parsonage,  for  his  salary  after  the  settlement  is  paid." 

At  a  meeting  held  August  10,  174  7,  it  was  voted — "  That  Mr.  Joshua 
Belding,  for  his  more  convenient  settling  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in 
said  place,  have  100  pounds  more  given  him,  in  addition  to  the  900  pounds 
heretofore  gi-anted  to  said  Belding  as  a  settlement,  all  which  heing  1000 
pounds  to  be  paid  within  the  term  of  three  years  irom  the  time  of  said 
Beldings'  ordination,  viz  :  three  hundred  thirty-three  pounds  six  shillings 
and  8  pence  per  annum  till  the  whole  be  paid  and  that  the  value  of  the 
money  be  made  good,  equal  to  what  that  same  is  now  in  the  present  com- 
mon currency."  "  That  the  parsonage,  the  use  of  which  was  hei-etoibre 
granted  to  said  Belding  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  in  the  ministry  in  said 
place,  be  delivered  unto  him  with  the  fence  rectified  for  one  crop.  Also  that 
the  200  pounds,  betbre  granted  as  a  salary  to  be  annually  paid  the  first 
three  years  after  said  Beldingj'  ordination,  be  kept  in  its  present  value." 
"  That  after  the  expiration  of  the  term  of  three  years,  in  which  the  settle- 
ment aforesaid  is  to  be  paid,  said  Belding  have  given  him  the  sum  of  fifty- 
seven  pounds,  to  be  paid  in  grain  at  the  following  rate,  viz  :  Wheat  at  four 
shillings,  Rye  at  two  shillings  and  8  pence,  Indian  Corn  at  two  shillings, 
oats  at  one  Shilling  and  four  pence  the  bushel,  and  in  the  following 
proportion,  viz  :  a  hundred  bushels  of  wheat,  a  hundred  and  fifty  of  rye,  a 
hundred  and  fifty  of  indian  corn,  and  thirty  of  oats,  or  in  the  lieu  of  said 
quantities  of  each  sort  of  grain  above  specified,  that  he  have  given  him 
the  equivalent  therewith  in  bills  of  public  credit,  or  in  the  general  cur- 
rency or  medium  of  trade,  that  shall  from  time  to  time  be  used  or  improved 
as  or  in  the  lieu  of  money  in  the  Colony  of  Connecticut :  which  equiva- 
lent shall  be  annually  judged  of  or  estimated  according  to  the  general  rate 
or  market  price  of  said  kinds  of  orain  in  the  month  of  August  next 
preceding,  and  thus,  including  the  250  pounds  before  granted  or  the  stated 
salary  now  resolved  to  be  the  stated  salary,  annually  to  be  paid  so  Jong  as 
he  the  said  Belding  shall  continue  in  the  ministry  in  said  place." 

At  a  meeting  held  September  7,  1747,  it  was  voted,  That  Capt.  Josiah 
Willard,  Capt.  Martin  Kello<^g  and  Dea.  John  Deming,  be  a  "  Committee 
to  appoint  a  time  with  Mr.  Belding  for  the  examination  and  ordination  of 
Mr.  Belding,  and  likewise  to  appoint  the  fast  and  tavern  keepers." 
"  Voted  that  Mr.  Josiah  Iteming  be  our  agent,  to  represent  this  society  at 
New  Haven  before  the  General  Assembly  to  be  held  in  October  the  8th, 
1747,  to  hinder  those  of  Farmington  annexed  to  us,  going  from  us,  &c." 
"  Voted,  That  Mr.  Josiah  Deming  represent  this  society  by  a  memorial 
exhibited  to  the  General  Assembly  abovesaid,  to  request  some  considera- 
tion for  the  loss  of  our  minister,  who  died  in  their  service  at  Cape  Breton, 
some  time  past." 

"Inasmuch  as  the  society  of  Newington  in  our  last  meeting  voted  the 
month  of  Augu.st  yearly  to  be  the  standard,  that  is  to  say,  the  market 
price  of  wheat,  rye  and  indian  corn  and  oats  payable  to  Mr.  Joshua  Beld- 
ing in  our  minister  rate,  in  case  of  want  of  specie,  &c.,  we,  being  now 
allowed  by  Mr.  Belding  herefbr,  we  now  sa.y,  that  the  month  of  June  shall 
be  the  standard  yearly  for  us  to  know  how  much  we  must  pay  to  Mr. 
Belding  per  bushel  for  each  kind  of  grain  in  our  rates." 

MR.    JOSHUA    beldings'    ANSWER    TO    THIS    SOCIETY. 

'•'  To  the  Society  of  Newington  in  Weathersfield  : 

"  Forasmuch  as  the  infinitely  wise  God  has  been  pleased  to  commit  the 
invaluable  treasure  of  preaching  the  Gospel  to  earthen  vessels,  (which  is 


64 

a  work  worthy  heavenly  messengers,)  that  the  excellency  of  the  power 
might  appear  to  be  of  God  and  not  of  man,  and  to  promise  his  presence 
and  assistance  to  his  regular  and  faithful  ministers,  and  has  also  ordained 
that  they  which  preach  the  Gospel  should  live  of  the  Gospel,  and  foras- 
much as  you  have  given  me  an  invitation  to  engage  in  this  important  and 
difficult  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  among  you,  and  for  my  encourage- 
ment and  support  therein  have  made  offers  to  me  of  a  settlement  and 
salary.  I  have  taken  the  matter  into  serious  consideration,  and,  (hoping 
for  the  divine  aid  and  blessing,  and  your  prayers  and  united  good  will  in 
the  arduous  work,)  do  now  signify  my  ready  acceptance  of  your  invitation 
and  offers,  and  also  I  would  signify  that  whereas  the  month  fixed  upon  in 
your  vote  as  a  standard  by  which  to  judge  of  an  equivalent  to  the  grain 
proposed,  appears  upon  consideration  to  be  a  time  when  grain  generally 
bears  the  highest  price,  and  may  therefore  be  a  ground  of  uneasiness  to 
some.  I  am  willing  to  recede  from  that,  and  pitch  uf^on  the  month  of  June 
in  lieu  thereof,  as  a  medium  betwixt  the  extremes.  I  do  hereby  further 
signify  that  as  it  Avould  have  been  more  agreeable  to  me  to  have  omitted 
making  any  explicit  covenant  of  this  nature,  and  to  have  rested  with  only 
the  common  obligation  arising  from  the  gospel,  were  it  not  for  the  common 
practice  in  these  churches.  So  I  would  do  nothing  now  that  should  render 
the  gospel  burdensome,  and  therefore,  since  a  1000£  may  seem  much  to 
be  offered  as  a  settlement  by  such  a  society  to  some  that  are  not  so  well 
acquainted  with  the  inconstancy  of  our  current  medium,  and  so  may  occa- 
sion some  dissatisfaction,  although  I  make  no  doubt  it  would  not,  were  the 
matter  duly  understood  and  weighed,  yet,  trusting  to  your  good  affection 
and  generosity,  that  you  will  not  hereafter  see  me  want  what  may  be  suffi- 
cient to  render  my  life  comfortable  to  me  and  serviceable  to  you.  I  am 
willing  to  forego  the  100£  last  added,  and  leave  it  with  you  to  act  your 
pleasure  about  it,  now  desiring  nothing  may  be  done  but  with  a  ready 
mind,  hoping  for  the  blessing  of  God  upon  you  and  me  in  all  our  ways,  and 
that  we  may  be  built  up  in  peace  and  love  through  faith  unto  salvation. 

"JOSHUA  BELDING." 

An  account  of  the  society's  debts,  December,  1747,  which  is  recorded  in 
detail,  contains  this  item  :  '  Due  to  Mr.  Joshua  Belding,  for  preaching 
with  us  from  the  tenth  day  of  May  last  until  the  7th  day  of  instant  Dec, 
1  747,  as  our  minister,  £158  Is.  8d.  This  includes  the  wood  and  parsonage 
part  which  was  voted,  and  also  his  board  or  billeting." 

The  following  agreement  also  appears  on  record  :  "  Whereas  the  society 
of  Newington  have  granted  the  sum  of  £1,000  to  be  given  to  me,  the 
subscriber,  as  a  settlement,  in  order  lor  my  more  convenient  settling  among 
them  in  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  I  do  hereby  promise  and  engage, 
that  if,  by  embracing  or  maintaining  any  erroneous  or  corrupt  doctrines 
or  tenets,  or  by  changing  my  persuasion  in  matters  of  church  order  from 
what  it  appears  to  be  at  present,  or  by  any  unlawful  practice,  I  shall  at 
any  time  render  myselfi  in  the  judgment  of  the  Association  to  which  I 
shall  belong,  unfit  for  to  continue  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  then  to  return 
back  to  8ai(i  society  such  a  part  of  whatever  sum  or  sums  of  said  settle- 
ment 1  shall  have  received  as  shall  be  deemed  by  indifferent  judges  a 
proportional  for  that  part  of  the  time  then  to  come,  compared  with  the 
whole  time  from  my  ordination,  1  might  be  supposed  to  have  served  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry  according  to  the  ordinary  course  of  life. 

JOSHUA  BELDING." 

At  a  society  meeting,  held  December  5th,  1748,  it  was  voted,  "That 
the  one  hundred  and  fifty  (pounds)  money  granted  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly to  this  society,  which  money  is  now  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Josiab 
Deming,  agent,  shall  be  put  into  the  society  treasury,  and  the  said  money 


65 

shall  be  to  pay  part  of  the  £333  6s.  8d.  which  is  to  be  paid  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Joshua  Belding." 

"  Voted,  that  Thomas  Robldns  procure  a  lock  for  the  school  house  door, 
and  be  paid  for  it  out  of  the  society  treasury : "  "  That  the  school  be 
divided,  to  be  icept  three  months,  in  the  middle  of  the  society,  six  weeks 
at  the  west  side,  and  six  weeks  at  the  north  end." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  19th,  1748,  "Voted,  That  whereas  the 
town  of  Wethersfield  have  heretofoi-e  granted  to  us  a  parsonage  of  fifty 
acres  of  land  for  our  use,  etc.,  and  other  lands,  on  this  consideration,  we 
remise,  release,  and  forever  quit-claim  to  the  first  society  in  Wethersfield 
all  our  right  and  title  we  have,  or  ever  had,  in  or  to  the  parsonage  in  the 
above-said  society,  to  their  own  use,  benefit,  and  behoof,  without  any 
molestation  from  us  or  any  under  us,  always  provided,  they  will  be  so  good 
to  the  society  of  Newington  as  to  give  them  a  piece  of  land  to  help  them 
in  settling  of  their  minister." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  3d,  1749,  it  was  voted,  "  That  Joshua  Andruse 
and  Eliphelet  Whittlesey,  Jun.,  be  a  committee  to  succeed  Capt.  Martin 
Kellogg  and  Dea.  John  Deming,  in  letting  out  and  taking  care  of  the 
society  school  money  granted  by  the  Assembly." 

At  a  meeting  held  jDecember  4th,  1749,  it  was  voted,  "  That  the  school 
be  kept  part  of  the  time  near  Serg't  Thomas  Francis,  and  part  of  the  time 
near  Mrs.  Backus." 

At  a  meeting  held  Dt'cember  2d,  1751,  it  was  "Voted,  That  the  school 
shall  be  kept  in  this  society  six  months  the  year  ensuing,  the  school  to  be 
kept  four  months  and  a  half  in  the  school  house  and  six  weeks  of  the  time 
in  some  place  at  the  west  side  of  the  society."  "  Voted,  Thirteen  pounds 
ten  shillings  money  for  building  and  finishing  a  pound  for  the  use  of  the 
societ}'.  That  the  pound  shall  be  erected  upon  the  north  side  of  Lieut. 
Kilborn's  shop,  partly  upon  the  commons  and  partly  upon  his  own  land. 
And  likewise  it  was  voted,  that  Lieut.  Kilborn  shall  be  a  pound-keeper  as 
long  as  he  shall  pay  twenty  shillings  per  year  into  the  society  treasury ; 
and  likewise  takes  but  six  ponce  per  head  lor  his  fees  of  this  society ;  and 
likewise  takes  but  one  penny  per  head  for  a  sheep." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  18th,  1754,  "Voted  and  agreed,  To  send  a 
committee  to  Kensington  to  answer  the  citation  sent  by  the  Assembly's 
committee  respecting  the  taking  from  us  our  western  neighbors.  That 
Peletiah  Buck,  Josiah  Kilborn,  and  Robert  Welles  be  a  committee  to  repre- 
sent the  matter  before  the  Assembly's  committee  at  Kensington.  Voted, 
that  we  are  very  loth  to  have  our  neighbors  in  Farmington  separated  from 
us  by  reason  of  the  smallness  of  the  parish.  But  if  it  will  be  any  ease  for 
Kensington  to  have  a  few  more  added,  we  do  agree  rather  to  have  that, 
provided  our  meeting  house  comes  no  further  west  than  the  front  of  the 
lots  called  the  fifty  acres  lots,  and  that  Messrs.  Peletiah  Buck,  Josiah 
Kilborn,  and  Robert  Welles  represent  this  matter  before  the  honorable 
court's  committee  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  April  next." 

At  a  meeting  held  May  3d,  1754,  "  Voted,  that  we  will  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  appear  before  the  General  Assembly  at  Hartford,  in  behalf  of 
the  society."  • 

"  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Kilborn  and  Bavil  Seymout  be  a  com- 
mittee to  appear  before  the  honorable  Assembly  at  Hartford  to  remonstrate 
against  the  report  of  the  Assembly's  committee  respecting  the  taking  away 
the  inhabitants  in  Farmington  that  were  annexed  to  the  society  of  New- 
ington ;  and  for  reasons  which  may  be  given,  we  shall  look  upon  it  a 
hardship  if  they  be  taken  away  from  us,  but  nevertheless,  if  they  must  be 
taken  from  us,  we  beg  the  favor  of  the  honorable  Assembly  that  we  may 
have  an  equivalency  made  us." 

9 


66 

At  a  meeting  held  December  18th,  1754,  "  Voted,  to  appoint  a  commit- 
tee to  go  to  the  General  Assembly  in  the  society's  behalf.  Dea.  Josiah 
Willard  and  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Kilborn  were  appointed  a  committee  or 
agents  in  behalf  of  the  society,  to  go  to  the  General  Assembly  next  May 
to  lay  before  the  said  honorable  Assembly  the  case  and  circumstances  of 
the  society  by  reason  of  a  great  part  of  the  inhabitants  being  set  off  from 
them  by  the  Assembly  last  May,  and  there  to  endeavor,  by  petition  or  by 
a  memorial,  to  have  an  addition  to  tlie  society  eastward,  and  to  endeavor  to 
have  a  just  and  reasonable  equivalency  for  said  inhabitants  taken  from  us." 

At  a  meeting  held  June  2d,  1755,  "Dea.  Josiah  Willard  and  Lieut. 
Ebenezer  Kilborn  were  appointed  a  committee  in  behalf  of  the  society  to 
apply  themselves  to  the  first  society  in  Wethersfield,  and  there  to  endeavor 
to  have  an  addition  eastward  to  this  society,  and  likewise  the  said  commit- 
tee are  appointed  to  apply  themselves  to  the  General  Assembly  next  May, 
if  need  be,  to  prosecute  the  same  design." 

At  a  meeting  held  July  7th,  1756,  "  Voted  to  let  out  the  money  upon 
interest  that  the  General  Assembly  ordered  the  society  of  Kensington  to 
pay  to  this  society.  Dea.  Josiah  Willard,  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Kilborn,  and 
Robert  Welles  were  appointed  a  committee  to  let  out  the  money  till  the 
first  of  June  next. 

At  a  meeting  held  August  17th,  1756,  "  Voted,  that  the  money  received 
and  paid  by  the  society  of  Kensington,  June,  1 756,  be  put  in  the  society's 
treasury  to  defray  the  charge  of  the  meeting  house,  the  (amount)  of  the 
money  received,  £23  10s.  3d. 

"Voted,  That  after  the  present  year,  the  school  in  this  society  shall  be 
kept  in  two  parts,  and  the  one  part  to  be  kept  yearly  as  near  the  dwelling 
house  of  Daniel  Willard  southwardly  as  may  be,  the  other  near  the  dwell- 
ing house  of  the  heirs  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Backus,  and  that  each  of 
said  schools  shall  be  kept  not  less  than  three  months  annually  by  a  school- 
master, and  also  that  each  of  said  schools  shall  have  their  equal  part  of 
the  country  money  and  loan  money  for  that  purpose,  and  that  if  any 
school  house  be  built  at  said  places,  it  shall  be  at  the  charge  of  particular 
persons  and  not  at  the  charge  of  this  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  21st,  1 756,  "  Voted  to  build  two  pews  each 
side  the  broad  alley  in  the  meeting  house."  "  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Kilborn 
and  Martin  Kellogg  were  appointed  a  committee  to  apply  themselves  in 
behalf  of  the  society  to  the  General  Assembly  in  May  next,  and  there  to 
move  to  the  said  Assembly,  by  a  memorial,  for  an  addition  to  (of  ?)  the 
lands  adjoining  eastward  to  said  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  1st,  1757,  "  Voted,  That  the  school  for  the 
year  ensuing  be  kept  in  two  parts,  and  that  the  charge  of  said  school  be 
paid ;  to  be  kept  and  (at  ?)  the  north  end  at  the  new  school  house,  near 
Sergt.  Daniel  Willard's,  and  the  other  near  about  Nathaniel  Kirkum's." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  4th,  1758,  "Voted,  That  the  burying 
place  be  fenced  in  (at)  the  society's  charge."  "  That  the  school  be  kept 
at  the  north  end  of  the  society  at  the  school  house,  and  at  the  south  end 
near  about  Nathaniel  Kirkum's." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  1st,  1760,  "Voted,  That  the  school  be 
kept  the  year  ensuing  three  months  in  the  winter  season,  in  two  places, 
one  at  the  school  house  near  Daniel  Willard's,  and  at  the  south  end  near 
the  widow  Robbiris.  And  that  the  school  be  kept  three  months  in  the 
summer  at  three  places,  one  at  each  end,  and  in  near  the  middle  of  the 
society,  by  a  school  dame." 

"  Voted,  That  Mr.  David  Webster  and  Martin  Kellogg  be  a  committee 
in  behalf  of  this  society,  in  a  matter  of  controversy  between  the  society 
and  Mr.  David  Smith  of  Hadley,  relating  to  a  legacy  of  eighty  pounds  by 
the  last  will  and  testament  of  Mrs.  Mary  Willard,  deceased,  bequeathed 


67 

to  this  society  for  encouraging  of  schooling  or  support  of  the  poor  in  the 
same,  and  the  said  controversy  to  refer  to  arbitration  with  Mr.  Smith 
according  to  their  best  judgment  and  discretion."* 

At  a  meeting  held  February  15th,  1764,  "  Voted,  That  David  Woolcott, 
Martin  Kellogg,  and  Charles  Churchel  be  a  committee  to  seat  the  meeting 
house.  That  the  committee  in  seating  the  meeting  house,  seat  it  by  list, 
age,  parentage,  and  usefulness. " 

"  Voted,  to  Charles  Hurlbut  and  Jonathan  Blin,  for  a  house  to  keep  the 
school  in,  10s." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  2d,  1765,  "  Voted,  That  the  seats  be  taken 
up  in  the  meeting  house,  and  pews  be  made  in  the  body  of  the  meeting 
house."  "  That  Lieut.  Martin  Kellogg  be  a  committeeman  to  take  the 
care  of  making  the  pews." 

At  a  meeting  held  on  the  last  Monday  In  April,  1766,  "Voted,  That 
whatsoever  part  of  Mr.  Belding's  salary  is  not  paid  annually  by  the  first  of 
June,  shall  draw  five  per  cent,  interest  from  that  time  until  paid."  ' 

At  a  meeting  held  December  12th,  1770,  "Voted,  That  Sergt.  Daniel 
Willard,  Dea.  John  Camp,  and  Sergt.  Janna  Deming  be  a  committee  to 
seat  the  meeting  house.     That  men  and  their  wives  be  seated  together." 

"  Voted,  That  the  society  move  to  the  General  Assembly,  in  order  to 
obtain  the  legacy  given  to  the  society  by  Mary  Willard,  deceased,  in  her  last 
will.  That  Captain  Charles  Churchel  be  appointed  to  assist  in  that  aSair." 
"  That  the  society  be  at  the  cost  if  it  cannot  be  paid  out  of  the  estate." 

At  a  meeting  held  January  14th,  1771,  "  Voted,  That  two  more  school 
houses  be  built  in  this  society,  one  near  the  south-west  corner  of  Lieut. 
Martin  Kellogg's  home  lot,  and  the  other  near  Francis  Deming's  home  lot, 
the  school  houses  be  built  by  subscription." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  6th,  1773,  "Whereas  this  society  covenanted 
with  Mr.  Joshua  Belding,  previous  to  his  settlement  in  the  ministry  in  this 
place,  to  give  him,  besides  the  use  of  the  parsonage  and  sixteen  cords  of 
wood,  fifty-seven  pounds,  to  be  paid  in  certain  quantities  of  grain,  as 
specified  in  said  covenant  on  record,  or  the  equivalence  to  said  quantities 
of  grain  in  money,  according  to  the  market  price  of  grain  in  June,  as 
his  stated  salary,  annually  to  be  paid  him  during  his  continuance  in  the 
ministry  here ;  and  whereas  said  covenant  is  so  expressed  as  to  admit  of 
various  constructions,  and  by  expei'ience  the  grain  is  found  not  to  be  an 
equal  standard,  which  has  occasioned  frequent  uneasiness  and  disquietude, 
to  the  disturbance  of  the  peace  and  harmony  in  the  society,  and  of  wrongs 
being  done  :  therefore,  to  remedy  the  same  and  prevent  the  like  difficulty 
for  the  time  to  come,  it  is  now  agreed  and  voted,  with  the  consent  of  IMr. 
Joshua  Belding,  that  the  following  alteration  be  made  in  said  covenant, 
viz. :  that  Mr.  Belding  have  paid  him  annually  for  the  future,  during  his 
continuance  in  the  ministry  with  w^,  instead  of  grain  or  equivalence 
thereto,  the  sum  of  seventy  pounds  lawful  money,  for  his  yearly  salary, 
together  with  the  use  of  the  parsonage  and  wood  as  before." 

"  Voted,  That  Joseph  Androus,  Martin  Kellogg,  and  Charles  Churchel 
be  a  committee  to  consult  in  the  affairs  of  the  parsonage." 

[Extract  from  the  will  of  Mary  Willard.^ 
* "  Item.     I  bequeath  eij^hty  pounds  lawful  money,  or  value  thereof,  to  be 
improved  forever,  that  is,  the  yearly  income  of  the  same,  for  the  encouragement 
of  schooling  in  the  society  of  Ncwiny^ton,  or  benefit  of  the  poor,  at  the  discretion 
of  the  Rev.  Joshua  Belding,  Capt.  Robert  Wells,  Deacon  Joshua  Andruss,  and 
their  successors,  as  a  committee  for  said  purpose,  to  be  chosen  or  appointed  by 
the  surviving  two  when  one  of  them  shall  be  removed  by  death,  and  so  said  com- 
mittee to  he  continued." 
Executed  May  17th,  1759. 
Her  estate  inventoried,  Aug.  26th,  1759,  .£429  7s.  13d. 


68 

At  a  meeting  held  May  24th,  1773,  "Voted,  Capt.  Martin  Kelloo;g 
(and)  John  Lusk  be  a  committee  in  the  affair  of  Worthington  memorial." 

At  a  meeting  held  on  the  first  Monday  of  December,  1773,  "  Voted,  To 
Josiah  Willard,  two  pounds  six  shillings  nnd  six  pence  for  a  funeral  cloth." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  23d,  17  73,  "Voted,  Twenty-two  pounds 
nine  shillings  and  two  pence  to  defray  the  costs  of  obtaining  the  legacy 
that  Mary  Willard  gave  to  the  society." 

"  Voted,  That  two  school  houses  be  built  in  this  society  by  the  society's 
cost.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  affix  the  places  for  the  school 
houses.  (That)  William  Welles,  of  Glassenbury,  Capt.  John  Warner,  of 
Stepney,  and  Selah  Hart,  of  Kensington,  be  a  committee  to  view  the 
society  and  affix  the  places  for  the  school  houses.  That  Dea.  John  Camp, 
Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  and  Capt.  Charles  Chunhel  be  appointed  to  wait 
upon  the  said  committee  to  show  them  the  situation  ol'  the  society.  .  Capt. 
Martin  Kellogg,  John  Lusk,  and  Capt.  Charles  Churchel  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  go  to  the  old  society  of  Wethersfield,  to  ask  to  have  the 
mountain  tier  of  lots  to  be  annexed  to  this  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  7th,  1774,  "Voted.  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  build  the  school  houses  at  the  places  where  the  committee 
affix  them." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  23d,  1774,  "The  question  was  put  whether 
the  parsonage  lot  of  land  belonging  to  said  society  be  leased  for  the  space 
of  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  years,  in  such  manner  and  on  such  terms 
and  conditions  as  this  society  shall  agree  on.  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  Capt. 
Chnrles  Churchel  and  Mr.  John  Lusk  were  appointed  a  committee  to  lease 
said  parsonage  lot  of  land  for  the  said  term  of  nine  hundred  and  ninety- 
nine  years,  to  such  person  or  persons  as  shall  appear  to  take  the  same  and 
give  such  security  tor  the  sum  or  sums  it  shall  be  leased  for,  with  the 
interest  arising  thereon,  as  said  committee  shall  agree ;  which  security 
shall  be  either  a  bond  with  sureties  to  the  acceptance  of  said  committee, 
or  a  mortgage  deed  of  lands  of  double  the  value  of  the  sums  to  be  secured, 
well  executed  and  recorded,  and  free  of  all  incumbrances  whatsoever. 
That  the  said  lands  should  be  leased  in  several  parcels  or  allotments,  as 
said  committee  shall  judge  best  for  the  benefit  of  said  society.  That  the 
money  for  which  the  parsonage  lot  is  or  shall  be  leased,  shall,  by  a  com- 
mittee by  this  society  appointed,  be  let  on  interest  to  such  persons  as  shall 
from  time  to  time  appear  to  take  the  same,  and  give  security,  according  to 
the  votes  of  said  society,  to  the  acceptance  of  said  committee,  for  payment 
of  the  principal  sums  borrowed  when  required,  and  lor  the  payment  of  the 
interest  thereof  annually  :  and  that  the  whole  of  the  interest,  arising  on  the 
several  respective  sums  so  loaned  or  let  on  interest,  shall  be  improved  an- 
nually for  and  towards  the  payment  of  the  salary  of  the  minister  of  this  soci- 
ety in  Newington,  and  in  case  of  any  vacancy  by  death  or  otherwise,  towards 
the  payment  of  such  as  shall  be  called  to  preach  on  probation  or  otherwise, 
and  to  or  for  no  other  use  or  purpose  whatsoever;  and  that  the  principal 
sum  or  sums  aforesaid  shall  be  and  remain  in  the  disposal  of  said  society, 
to  be  improved  as  aforesaid  forever,  without  diminution  or  decrease  on  any 
account  whatsoever." 

"Newington,  April  the  6th,  1774. 

"  These  presents  witness  that  I,  Jo'^hua  Belding,  for  the  consideration  of 
seventeen  pounds  lawful  money,  to  be  annually,  well,  and  truly  paid  to  me 
by  the  society  of  Newington,  by  the  first  day  of  May  in  each  succeeding 
year  during  the  term  of  my  continuing  in  the  ministry  in  this  place,  have 
released  and  quitted,  and  do  by  these  presents  actually  and  fully  release 
and  quit  to  said  society  forever  all  my  right,  title  or  claim  to  the  use  and 
improvement  of  the  parsonage  land  lying  in  this  parish  to  their  proper 


69 

use,  improvement,  and  disposal,  without  hindrance  or  molestation  from  me 
or  any  by  or  under  me,  as  witness  my  hand." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  6th,  1774,  "  Voted,  That  in  consideration  of  a 
release  and  quit-claim,  given  to  this  society  by  Mr.  Josliua  Bclding,  of  the 
use  and  improvement  of  the  parsonage  land  lying  in  this  parish,  which 
was  granted  to  him,  the  said  Mr.  Joshua  Belding,  by  this  society  at  his 
first  settling  here,  to  hold  during  his  continuance  in  the  ministry  in  this 
place,  that  Mr.  Joshua  Belding  have,  in  lieu  of  said  parsonage,  for  the 
future,  annually  paid  to  him  the  sum  of  seventeen  pounds  lawful  money,  to 
be  paid  duly  by  the  first  day  of  May  in  each  succeeding  year,  that  is,  the 
first  payment  to  be  made  the  first  of  May,  1775,  and  so  on  yearly  so  long 
as  Mr.  Joshua  Belding  shall  continue  in  the  ministry  with  us." 

At  a  meeting  held  the  fifth  day  of  December,  1774,  "Voted,  Lemuel 
Whittlesey,  Robert  Wells,  jr.,  and  Unni  Bobbins,  and  Martin  Kellogg,  jr., 
to  build  the  school  houses  at  the  places  where  the  committee  ^et  the  stakes." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  8th,  1774,""  Voted,  That  the  north  end 
of  the  society,  down  as  far  as  the  north  side  of  Deacon  Joshua  Andrus' 
common  lot,  to  be  a  school  district." 

"  Voted,  to  build  a  school  house,  upon  the  society's  cost,  at  the  south- 
west corner  of  Mr.  John  Lusk's  lot,  near  to  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg's  house." 

"  Voted.  That  what  was  voted  in  the  last  meeting  respecting  the  build- 
ing the  school  houses,  be  revoked  and  null." 

"  Voted,  That  the  school  (be  kept)  twelve  months  in  this  society,  throe 
months  in  the  winter,  in  three  places  at  the  same  time,  at  the  north  school 
house,  and  at  the  south  school  house,  and  in  the  middle  of  the  society,  and 
one  month  in  each  of  said  places  in  the  fall  of  the  year." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  27th,  1775,  "  Voted,  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg 
and  Capt,  Charles  Churchel  be  a  committee  to  examine  and  to  take  advice 
in  the  aifair  between  Worthington  and  this  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  6th,  1?79,  "  Josiah  Willard  chosen  clerk 
of  said  society."* 

"  Voted,  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joshua  Belden  the  sum  of  thirteen  hundred 
pounds  as  his  salary  for  his  service  the  year  past." 

"  Voted,  The  sum  of  two  hundred  forty-nine  pounds  lour  shillings  and 
five  pence  for  maintenance  of  the  schools." 

"  Voted,  To  Mr.  Abel  Andrus  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  for  sweeping 
the  meeting  house."! 

At  a  meeting  held  December  14th,  1779,  "Voted,  That  the  society 
committee  shall  warn  a  society  meeting  to  consider  about  building  a  new 
meeting  house  or  repairing  the  old  one."  J 

At  a  meeting  held  November  23d,  1 780,  "  Voted,  To  give  Mr.  Belden 
the  sum  of  fifty-four  pounds  ten  shillings  lawful  money,  or  old  Continental 
money,  at  the  rate  of  forty  for  one,  in  addition  to  the  thirteen  hundred 
heretofore  voted  to  him  by  this  society  for  his  salary  for  the  service  of  the 
year  1779." 

♦Robert  Welles  was  chosen  clerk  Dec.  3d,  1744,  and  the  records  are  in  his 
handwritin;^  from  that  time  to  ihe  record  of  this  meeting,  39  years.  The  first 
clerk  of  the  society,  Josiah  Willard,  acted  from  1716  to  1744,  28  years.  The 
clerk  chosen  at  this  meeting  is  the  tliird  clerk  of  the  society,  and  probably  the 
son  of  the  first,  of  the  same  name. 

t  These  votes  show  the  great  depreciation  of  the  currency  at  this  time. 

{The  question  of  building  a  meeting:  house,  and  especially  where  it  should  be 
located,  aj^itatcd  the  society  for  iiiauy  years.  It  was  not  settled  till  May  22d, 
1797,  when  it  was  located  where  it  still  stands.  The  votes  in  relation  to  the 
matter  are  so  numerous  that  they  must  be  omitted,  except  those  which  finally 
settled  the  question. 


70 

At  a  meeting  held  December  4th,  1780,  "Voted,  To  give  Mr.  Belden, 
our  minister,  the  sum  of  eighty-seven  pounds  lawful  money  for  his  salary 
for  his  service  of  the  year  past,  to  be  paid  in  silver,  or  an  equivalent  in 
States'  money  or  Continental  currency  or  in  produce." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  5th,  1782,  "  Voted,  That  Capt.  Churchill,  Capt. 
Kellogg,  Unni  Robbins,  James  Bhn,  and  Josiah  VVillard  should  be  a  com- 
mittee to  go  and  treat  with  Mr.  Belden  in  respect  of  his  salaries  for  the 
years  1777,  1778,  1779,  and  to  make  proposals  to  him  according  to  the  best 
of  their  discretion,  and  try  to  come  to  an  agreement  with  him  to  pay  him 
the  interest  of  the  parsonage  money  towards  his  salaries  for  said  years 
or  otherwise,  as  said  committee  shall  think  fit,  and  said  committee  shall 
transact  the  said  affair  with  Mr.  Belden  as  tliough  it  was  their  own  case 
(excepting  that  they  refer  it  to  the  society  for  ratification),  and  they  are 
to  malie  their  report  to  the  next  adjourned  meeting."* 

"Newington,  April  the  2d,  1782. 

"  A  committee  being  appointed  by  this  society,  at  a  meeting  lately  held 
in  this  place,  to  treat  with  me,  the  subscriber,  and  make  proposals  in  order 
for  a  settlement  of  the  deficiencies  occasioned  by  the  depreciation  of  Con- 
tinental money,  in  the  payment  of  my  salary  for  the  years  1777,  1778,  and 
1779,  said  committee  after  deliberately  looking  into  the  matter,  computing 
what  the  society  were  in  arrears,  and  attending  to  the  peculiar,  intricate, 
and  perplexed  circumstances  of  the  affairs,  proposed  to  give  me  £100  in 
addition  to  all  I  had  received  for  said  three  years,  which,  having  taken 
into  consideration,  although  I  look  upon  it  far  short  of  what  is  my  due,  and 
laying  upon  me  (under  my  circumstances)  more  than  my  proportion  of  the 
extraordinary  burdens  of  the  times,  yet,  feeling  tenderly  affected  towards 
the  parish,  and  considering  the  heavy  taxes  occasioned  by  the  war,  the 
great  difficulty  many  find  to  pay  them,  and  with  a  view  and  desire  to 
restore,  if  possible,  and  promote  peace  and  harmony  in  the  society,  I  have 
agreed,  in  compliance  with  the  saiU  proposal,  to  accept  of  a  £100  lawful 
money,  with  the  lawful  interest  from  this  day  till  paid,  in  lieu  of  all  arrear- 
ages due  lor  said  three  years,  and  accordingly  do  hereby,  for  myself  and 
my  heirs,  etc.,  promise  and  engage,  upon  condition  the  society  readily  con- 
sent to  and  confirm  said  proposal  and  agreement,  and  also  shall  satisfy  unto 
individuals  who  have  paid  their  rates  in  full  in  all  or  either  of  said  three 
years,  then  to  relinquish  all  further  demands  for  the  service  of  said  years, 
and  also,  upon  my  receiving  said  money  agreed  upon,  do  promise  to  give 
discharges  in  full  to  the  society  for  those  three  years.    As  witness  my  hand, 

Joshua  BELDE^f." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  11th,  1 783,  "  Voted,  That  they  would  build 
two  school  houses  upon  the  society's  cost." 

"  Voted,  That  the  place  for  the  North  school  house  shall  be  near  the 
north-west  corner  of  the  lot  formerly  owned  by  Eli  Stoddard,  and  between 
the  houses  of  William  Andrus  and  Guinea,  as  shall  appear  by  the  commit- 
tee most  convenient,  and  the  place  for  the  South  school  house  at  the  stake 
set  by  a  former  committee." 

"  Voted,  That  Elijah  Welles,  Jonathan  Stoddard,  John  Graham,  Unni 
Robbins,  Levi  Lusk,  and  Levi  Churchill  shall  be  a  committee  to  build  the 
said  school  houses." 

"  Voted,  To  raise  four  pence  on  the  pound  to  defray  the  cost  of  building 
said  school  houses." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  10th,  1783,  "Voted,  That  the  society  should 

*Tlio  committee  came  to  an  agreement  with  Mr.  Belden,  which  they  reported 
to  the  next  adjourned  meeting  held  April  2d,  1782,  and  which  is  substantially  set 
forth  in  Mr.  Bclden's  agreement  which  follows,  and  was  satisfactory  to  the  society 
and  ratified. 


n 

be  divided  into  three  school  districts  by  a  committee  now  to  be  appointed 
for  that  purpose." 

"  Voted,  That  Col.  Gad  Stanley,  Gen.  Selah  Hart,  and  John  Bobbins, 
Esq',  should  be  this  committee."* 

"  Voted,  That  the  said  committee  should  divide  the  society  equally, 
taking  the  list,  conveniency  of  travel,  and  all  other  matters  into  consid- 
eration." 

"  Voted,  Capt.  Kellogg:,  Capt.  Mitchell,  and  Josiah  Willard  should  be  a 
committee  to  wait  upon  the  aforesaid  gentlemen." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  14th,  1783,  "Voted,  To  Capt.  Kellogg  and 
Capt.  Mitchell  three  pounds  one  shilling  and  nine  pence  for  defraying  the 
cost  and  expenses  of  the  school  district  committee." 

"  Voted,  That  we  approve  of  the  report  and  doings  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  divide  the  society  into  three  school  districts."! 

At  a  meeting  held  April  29th,  1783,  "  Voted,  To  build  two  school  houses 
upon  the  society's  cost,  the  North  one  in  the  most  convenient  place  at  or 
near  the  mouth  of  Guinea's  lane,  and  the  other  in  the  most  convenient 
place  against  a  little  piece  of  land  granted  by  the  town  to  Billy  Blin." 

"  Voted,  To  build  the  school  houses  twenty-five  feet  long  and  twenty 
feet  broad." 

"  Voted,  To  raise  a  rate  of  three  pence  upon  the  pound  to  defray  the 
cost  of  building  the  aforesaid  school  houses." 

"  Voted,  That  the  inhabitants  may  have  liberty  (if  to  the  acceptance  of 
the  committee)  to  pay  their  respective  rates  in  labor,  timber,  and  materials 
for  building  said  houses." 

*'  Voted,  That  Capt.  Jonathan  Stoddard,  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  and 
James  Welles  shall  be  a  committee  to  build  the  North  school  house." 

"  Voted,  That  Capt.  JNIitchell,  Francis  Deming,  and  Unni  Robbins  shall 
be  a  committee  to  build  the  South  school  house." 

At  a  meeting  held  May  3d,  1784,  "Voted,  To  appropriate  four  pounds 
of  the  loan  money,  or  other  monies  that  may  be  had  out  ot  the  society 
treasury,  towards  hiring  a  teacher  to  instruct  the  people  in  this  parish  in 
the  art  of  singing." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  6th,  1784,  "  Voted,  To  petition  the  town 
to  purchase  a  piece  of  land  belonging  to  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  near  the 
burying  yard  in  this  place,  that  the  said  hind  may  be  open  for  a  green  or 
highway,  and  that  the  society  clerk  and  society  committee  be  directed  to 
prepare  a  petition  or  memorial  in  behalf  of  the  society,  and  lay  it  before 
the  next  or  some  future  town  meeting."  J 

*  Non-residents. 

t  As  early  as  in  October,  1766,  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  relating  to 
schools,  appropriating  20s.  to  every  £1,000  of  the  list  of  the  several  towns  and 
societies  for  the  benefit  of  schools,  in  which  it  was  provided,  "  That  each  town 
and  society  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  divide  themselves  into  proper 
and  necessary  districts  for  keeping  their  schools,  and  to  alter  and  regulate  the 
same  from  time  to  time  as  they  shall  have  occasion  :  which  districts  so  made  shall 
draw  their  equal  proportion  of  said  monies,  as  well  as  all  other  public  monies, 
for  the  support  of  schools  belonging  to  such  respective  towns  or  societies,  accord- 
ing to  the  list  of  each  respective  district  therein." 

Stat,  of  1769,  p.  330. 

t  The  committee  presented  the  following  petition : 

"  To  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Weathersfield,  legally  asscml  Ic  J  by 
adjournment  on  Monday,  the  3d  day  of  January,  1785  : 

"The  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Society  of  Newington,  within  said 
Town,  humbly  shewcth  :  That  there  is  a  certain  piece  of  land  containing  about 
an  acre,  owned  by  Capt.  Mai  tin  Kellogg,  and  lying  in  said  society  a  few  rods 
North  of  the  meeting  house,  running  out  into  the  highway  the  whole  Tengih  of 


72 

At  a  meeting  held  February  14th,  1785,  "Voted,  To  apply  to  the  town 
for  the  mountain  tier  to  be  annexed  to  this  society,  and  to  make  applica- 
tion to  the  Assembly  to  have  the  same  annexed  to  it.  * 

"  Voted,  That  Charles  Churchill,  Esq.,  and  Capt.  JIartin  Kellogg  should 
be  a  committee  to  make  the  above  said  application." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  20th,  1789,  "Messrs.  David  Lowrey  and 
Lemuel  Whittlesey  were  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  excise  money." 

"  Voted,  That  the  interest  arising  upon,  and  is  now  due  upon,  the  hard 
money  part  of  the  soldiers'  notes,  belonging  to  the  excise  money,  be  added 
to  the  principal." 

At  a  meeting  held  June  1st.  1789,  "  Voted,  That  the  committee  who 
have  the  care  of  the  indents  for  interest  now  belonging  to  this  society, 
be  directed  to,  use  their  best  discretion  in  regard  to  the  disposing  of 
said  indents,  as  they  shall  judge  shall  be  most  for  the  advantage  of  said 
society." 

"  Whereas  there  was  a  legacy  left  by  Mr.  Jedediah  Deming,  in  his  last 
will,  to  the  society  of  Newington  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  library  for 
public  use  in  said  society,  and  as  the  said  society  have  never  received  any 
benefit  therefrom,  therefore  voted.  That  Messrs.  David  Lowrey  and  Simon 
Welles  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  same,  and  to  take  the  most 
prudent  and  effectual  measures  to  recover  the  benefits  of  said  legacy  for 
the  use  and  improvement  of  said  society,  as  soon  as  may  be  and  as  far  as 
is  agreeable  to  said  will."f 

said  piece :  and  that  when  said  piece  is  inclosed  it  greatly  injures  a  beautiful  and 
commodious  green,  and  is  a  great  inconvenience  to  said  society,  and  an  obstruction 
to  the  travel  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  society,  and  of  strangers,  who  cannot  pass 
that  way  without  loss  of  travel,  especially  as  it  naturally  leads  them  into  a  corner 
from  whence  they  cannot  pass  without  returning  bnck.  or  breaking  through  an 
inclosure  set  apart  and  improved  for  a  piece  of  burying  ground  :  by  which  the 
inhabitants  of  said  society  and  the  public  must  suffer.  Yuur  petitioners  therefore 
pray  that  the  said  piece  of  l«nd  may  be  purchased  of  the  said  Capt.  Kellogg  with 
the  money  raised  by  the  sale  of  laud  out  of  the  highways  in  said  town,  and  the 
said  piece  of  land  thrown  out  to  the  highway  for  the  benefit  of  the  public.  That 
the  matter  of  their  petition  may  be  attended  to  with  candour  and  a  view  to  the 
public  good,  so  that  relief  may  be  granted. 

"  And  your  petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray,  etc. 
By  order  of  said  Society, 

JosiAH  WiLLARD.  Socicty  Clcrk. 
David  Lowry,  ) 

James  Welles,  >  Committee. 

Daniel  Willard,  jr.,  ) 

"Dated  at  Newington,  this  31st  day  of  December,  1784." 

It  does  not  appear  that  the  town  granted  the  prayer  of  the  petition,  but  the 
land  was  "  throv/n  out  to  the  highway"  about  1806  by  its  owners,  and  now  prob- 
ably belongs  to  the  town. 

*  Josiah  Willard  resigned  his  position  as  clerk  of  the  society  at  a  meeting  held 
Dec.  19th,  1786,  and  Daniel  Willaid,  jr.,  was  appointed  in  his  place. 

t  Extract  from  the  will  of  Jedediah  Deming,  executed  April  14th,  1787.  His 
estate  was  inventoried  May  22d,  1787. 

"  Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  society  of  Newington  a  legacy  of  the 
sum  of  sixty  pounds,  lawful  silver  money,  accounting  Spanish  milled  dollars  at 
six  shillings  each,  to  be  raised  and  paid  out  of  my  personal  or  movable  estate,  for 
the  purpose  of  procuring  only  a  sufficient  quantity  of  good  orthodox  books  of 
divinity,  at  the  care  and  direction  of  the  two  standing  officiating  deacons  for  the 
time  being  in  said  society,  and  from  time  to  time  by  them  and  their  successors  in 
said  office,  to  be  improved  as  opportunity  and  occasion  may  require  for  procuring 
a  suitable  quantity  of  l)ooks  of  the  aforesaid  description,  of  Calvinistical  princi- 
ples, for  furnishing  a  suitable  library  for  public  use  in  said  society,  as  far  as  the 
same  may  necessarily  extend,  forever :  which  legacy  shall  be  paid  by  my  executors 


73 

At  a  meeting  held  September  21st,  1789,  ''  Upon  a  motion  of  Deacon 
Stoddard  to  resign  the  trust  reposed  in  him  by  Mr.  Jedediah  Deraing,  late 
of  Wethersfield,  deceased,  in  his  last  will  and  testament,  for  applying  a 
legacy  given  by  said  Deming  to  the  society  of  Newington  for  procuring  a 
public  library  for  said  society :  Voted,  That  Messrs.  David  Lowrey,  Roger 
Welles,  John  Goodrich,  Simon  Welles,  and  Daniel  VVillard,  Jun.,  be 
appointed  to  assist  the  deacons  in  the  discharge  of  the  trust  reposed  in 
them  by  said  will,  in  applying  said  legacy,  procuring  books,  and  forming  a 
constitution  for  said  library,  and  to  assist  them  in  any  other  matters  that 
shall  be  thought  necessary  respecting  said  legacy,  agreeable  to  said  will, 
accoi'ding  to  their  best  judgment  and  discretion,  and  to  report  from  time  to 
time,  when  called,  their  proceedings  in  the  business  aforesaid."  * 

At  a  meeting  held  December  7th,  1789,  ''Messrs.  Unni  Robbins,  Elizur 
AndruH,  and  Daniel  Willard,  Jun.,  were  appointed  to  consider  the  petition 
of  the  south  end  of  the  society  resjiecting  a  school  district,  and  to  report 
to  the  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  22d,  1 789,  "  Voted,  That  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  eighty  pounds  be  raised  on  the  list  of  this  society  for  defray- 
ing the  cost  of  the  school  houses  already  built  in  this  society  and  for 
building  a  school  house  at  the  southern  part  of  the  society,  the  said  sum 
to  be  equally  divided  to  said  houses,  and  that  the  south  end,  extending  to 
one  third  part  of  the  list  of  1 788  as  near  as  may  be,  be  impowered  to  call 
a  meeting  and  transact  any  matters  respecting  the  building  said  house, 
and  that  the  proprietors  of  the  other  houses  be  empowered  to  meet  and 
make  an  average  of  the  sums  so  voted  to  each  house.  (Carried,  nineteen 
against  twelve.)  " 

At  a  meeting  held  March  2d,  1790,  "  Voted,  To  empower  the  committee 
who  have  the  care  of  the  public  monies  belonging  to  this  society  in  the  loan 
office,  both  interest  and  principal,  to  dispose  of  the  same  according  to 
their  best  discretion  for  the  benefit  of  said  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  July  7th,  1791,  "There  was  then  laid  before  the 
meeting  a  written  obligation,  signed  by  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg,  promising 
to  give  to  the  society  ninety  pounds  in  money  to  be  laid  out  towards  a 
frame  for  a  meeting  house  in  consideration  that  the  society  agree  to  erect 
and  build  said  house  on  the  west  side  of  the  old  green  and  about  five  rods 
southward  of  the  south-east  corner  of  the  burying  yard,  so  as  to  enclose  a 
stake  set  there  by  him." 

"  There  was  also  an  obligation  in  writing,  signed  by  Lt.  Lemuel  Whit- 
tlesey, laid  before  said  meeting,  promising  to  give  one  hundred  pounds 
towards  building  a  meeting  house  for  said  society,  provided  said  society 
shall  proceed  to  build  said  house  near  where  the  first  committee  set  a  stake 
therelbr."f 

"  A  division  was  then  called  for,  and  there  were  for  accepting  Capt. 
Kellogg's  proposal,  24,  for  Lt.  Whittlesey's  proposal,  14,  majority  of  10  for 
Capt.  Kellogg's  proposal." 

"  Messrs.  David  Lowrey  and  James  Welles  were  then  appointed  to 
receive  the  said  donation  of  Capt.  Kellogg.     Messrs.  Roger  Welles  and 

within  one  year  after  my  decease,  and  provided  the  said  sum  of  sixty  pounds 
sliall  be  more  than  sufficient  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  my  will  is  that  the  sur- 
plusage shall  be  loaned  and  the  annual  interest  applied  and  improved  for  the 
support  of  the  school  in  the  south  district  in  said  society  of  Newington,  their 
heirs  and  successors  forever." 

*  This  committee  reported,  September  14th,  1790,  a  cotistitution  and  regula- 
tions for  a  library,  called  "  Charity  Library.". 

t  This  was  near  the  dwelling  house  of  Luther  Latimer. 

10 


74 

Jonathan  Stoddard  were  then  appointed  to  apply  to  the  court  to  establish 
the  above  vote  for  the  acceptance  of  Capt.  Kellogg's  proposal."  * 

At  a  meeting  held  March  13th,  1792,  "Voted  and  agreed,  That  this 
society  will  apply  to  the  honorable  General  Assembly  in  May  next,  to 
obtain,  if  may  be,  the  place  already  agreed  upon  by  this  society  at  their 
meeting  in  July  last,  to  be  affixed  and  established  for  the  purpose  of 
building  a  new  meeting  house  upon.     20  for  the  vote,  14  against  it." 

"  Voted,  That  Messrs.  David  Lowrey  and  Roger  Welles  be  and  they  are 
hereby  appointed  agents  in  behalf  of  this  society  to  apply  to  the  honorable 
General  Assembly  in  May  for  the  purpose  expressed  in  the  above  vote. 
(19  for  the  vote,  14  against  it.)  " 

At  a  meeting  held  October  8th  1792,  "Voted,  That  this  society  will 
confine  their  petition,  now  pending  in  the  honorable  General  Assembly, 
respecting  a  meeting  house,  to  a  committee  to  view  the  society,  hear  all 
parties,  and  determine  where  a  meeting  house  shall  be  erected  in  said 
society." 

At  a  meeting  held  October  23d,  1792,  "  Voted,  That  Col.  Roger  Welles 
be  appointed  to  make  provision  for  the  committee  from  the  Assembly. 
Charles  Churchill,  Esq.,  Col.  Roger  Welles,  Martin  Kellogg,  and  Capt. 
Robert  Welles  were  appointed  to  wait  on  said  committee  expected  I'rom 
the  Assembly,  and  show  them  the  society.  Daniel  Willard,  Jun.,  and 
David  Lowrey  were  appointed  by  said  meeting  to  make  a  statement  to 
said  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  31st,  1792,  "  Voted,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  look  into  the  state  of  the  public  law  books  and  Kirby's  re- 
ports belonging  to  this  society,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting.  Also, 
that  Messrs.  James  Welles  and  David  Lowrey  be  appointed  for  said  pur- 
pose." 

"  Voted,  That  this  meeting  approve  of  the  following  report  and  resolve 
of  the  honorable  General  Assembly,  laid  before  the  meeting.  And  the 
numbers  taken  were  39  against  3. 

At  a  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  holden  at  New 
Haven  on  the  second  Thursday  of  October,  Anno  Dom.,  1792. 

Upon  the  memorial  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  society  of  Newington,  in 
the  town  of  Wethersfield,  and  county  of  Hartford,  by  their  agents,  David 
Lowrey  and  Roger  Welles,  of  said  society,  shewing  to  this  Assembly  that 
their  old  meeting  house  in  said  society  is  much  decayed  and  unfit  to 
re])air,  and  that  the  attempts  to  erect  a  new  one  have  hitherto  proved 
ineffectual :  praying  for  the  appointment  of  a  conmiittee  to  view  the  vari- 
ous places  in  said  society  mentioned  for  the  building  a  meeting  house,  and 
report  what  place  is  most  convenient,  as  per  petition  on  file.  And  this 
petition  came  to  the  General  Assembly  of  this  state,  holden  at  Hartford 
in  May  last,  and  by  continuance  to  this  Assembly ;  when  this  Assembly 
appointed  a  committee  to  examine  into  the  facts  stated  in  said  petition, 
which  committee  having  viewed  the  various  places  mentioned  as  suitable 
to  erect  a  meeting  house,  at  this  Assembly  have  reported  that  at  a  stake 
by  the  said  committee  set,  about  six  rods  south  east  from  the  public 
burying  ground  in  said  society,  is  the  most  proper  place  whereon  to  ertict 
a  meeting  house  in  said  society,  which  report  hath  been  accepted  by  this 
Assembly,  all  which  appears  on  file. 

Resolved  hy  this  Assembly,  That  a  meeting  house  may  be  erected  at  the 
said  place  reported  by  s^id  committee,  viz. :  at  a  stake  set  about  six  rods 
south-east  from  the  public  burying  ground  in  said  society;  and  said  society 

*  The  county  court,  in  January,  -1792,  decided  in  favor  of  the  site  near  Luther 
Latimer's  house.  Tlie  society,  at  a  meeting  held  Feh.  6th,  1 792,  disapproved  of 
this  judgment  of  the  county  court  by  a  vote  of  49  to  20. 


75  . 

are  hereby  authorized  to  erect  a  meeting  house  in  said  society  at  said 
place. 

A  true  copy  of  record.     Examined  by  George  Wyllys,  Secretary." 

At  a  meeting  held  May  13th,  1793,  "Voted,  That  this  society  will 
oppose  the  petition  of  certain  memorialists  who  have  petitioned  the  Hon. 
General  Assembly,  at  their  present  session,  to  annex  sundry  persons 
belonging  to  this  society,  together  with  their  estates,  and  also  to  annex  a 
certain  tract  of  land  at  the  south  end  of  this  society,  to  the  society  of 
Worthington,  relative  to  society  and  school  charges." 

"  Voted,  That  Col.  Roger  'Welles  and  Charles  Churchill,  Esq.,  be 
appointed  agents  in  behalf  of  this  society  to  oppose  said  petition."  * 

At  a  meeting  held  May  20,  1  793,  "  Voted,  That  Messrs.  James  Lusk 
and  Martin  Kellogg  be  employed  to  repair  the  fence  around  the  burying 
yard,  and  that  the  expense  be  paid  out  of  the  rate-bill  in  the  hand  of  Mr. 
Simon  Wells." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  31,  1794,  "  Voted,  To  General  Roger  Welles, 
three  pounds  ten  shillings,  which  he  paid  to  Chauncey  Goodrich,  for 
memorial  for  meeting  house  and  attendance  on  the  Court,  Nov.  25,  1791, 
and  January,  17'.I2,  and  for  petition  to  the  Assembly  in  May,  1792." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  14,  1795,  "It  was  then  voted.  To  raise  three 
shillings  on  pound  on  the  list  of  this  society  for  the  year  1794,  one  shilling 
of  the  same  to  be  paid  annually  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  meeting 
house  at  the  stake  set  by  the  Assembly's  Committee.  13  for  it;  11 
against  it. 

"  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Unni  Robbins,  Elizur  Andrus  and  Joshua  Bel- 
den,  jun.,  be  a  committee  to  procure  materials  and  build  a  meeting  house, 
agreeable  to  the  above  votes. 

"  Voted,  "  That  Mr.  Solomon  Stoddard  be  appointed  sheep  master, 
to  take  care  of  the  sheep  in  this  society  the  coming  summer." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  27,  1795,  "Voted,  That  General  Rower 
Welles  and  Deacon  James  Welles  be  appointed  to  procure  subscriptions 
to  ease  the  burdens  of  the  south-western  people  in  this  society,  on  condi- 
tion that  a  meeting  house  be  built  at  the  stake  set  by  the  Assembly's  Com- 
mittee." 

At  a  meeting  held  May  18,  1795,  "  Voted,  To  General  Roger  Welles, 
two  pounds  eight  shillings,  to  enable  him  to  settle  with  Mr.  Wm.  Mosely, 
and  one  pound  ten,  to  enable  him  to  settle  with  Mr.  Thomas  Y.  Seymor, 
for  services  to  the  Assembly,  on  the  petition  of  Theodore  Beckley  and 
others  against  this  society,  being  in  the  whole  £3,  18."f 

*The  petition  of  Theodore  Beckley  and  others,  dated  April  22d,  1793,  prays 
that  they,  with  their  ratable  estate,  "  may  be  annexed  unto  the  said  society  of 
Worthington,  in  said  Berlin,  relative  to  society  and  schooling  charges." 

The  society  of  Worthington,  at  a  meeting  held  May  13th,  1793,  voted  that 
they  were  "cordially  willing"  the  annexation  of  the  petiuoners  to  that  society 
should  be  granted  by  the  Assembly,  and  that  they  esteemed  it  "  not  only  expedi- 
ent, but  just  and  reasonable  that  this  union  be  made."  The  petition  was  granted 
by  the  lower  house  May  20th,  1794.  In  the  upper  house,  it  was  granted  so  far  as 
to  annex  a  part  of  Stepney  (now  Rocky  Hill)  to  Worthington.  Afterwards,  the 
upper  house  reconsidered  their  action  and  concurred  with  the  lower  house. 

f  General  Roger  Welles  died  May  27,  179.5,  in  the  41st  year  of  his  age.  He 
was  a  graduate  of  Yale  College,  Class  of  1775.  After  his  graduation  he  taught 
school  in  Wethersfiold  till  the  Revolutionary  War  broke  out,  when  lie  entered 
the  service  and  continued  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  captain  of  a  company 
of  picked  men,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Lafayette,  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown, 
and  his  company,  under  his  command,  led  the  storming  party  on  the  redoubt 
taken  by  assault  by  the  Americans.  He  was  the  second  man  in  the  fort.  Col. 
Alex.  Hamilton  being  the  first.     He  was  afterwards  presented  with  a  sword  bv 


.  T6 

At  a  meeting  held  October  3,  1796,  "  Voted,  To  keep  five  months' 
school  at  each  district  in  this  society  the  year  coming. 

"  Voted,  Eight  pounds  to  each  school,  to  be  raised  on  the  list  of  this 
society. 

"  Voted,  That  half  a  cord  of  wood  to  a  scholar  be  carried  to  the  schools, 
and  that  those  who  carry  the  same  be  allowed  at  the  same  rate  it  shall  be 
set  to  Mr.  Belden. 

"  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Martin  Kellogg,  Levi  Wells  and  Jonathan  Blinn 
be  appointed  a  school  committee  for  said  schools,  and  that  they  collect  the 
poll  tax. 

"  Voted,  That  Capt.  Levi  Lusk  draw  the  country  money  for  the 
schools."* 

At  a  meeting  held  June  12,  1797,  "Voted,  That  this  Society  will 
build  a  meeting  house  at  the  stake  set  by  the  Assembly's  Committee, 
agreeable  to  a  resolve  of  said  Assembly.    22  for,  17  against." 

At  a  meeting  held  August  7,  1797,  "  Voted,  That  the  north-west  corner 
of  the  meeting  house  be  set  at  a  stake  now  set  on  the  green,  and  that  the 
sills  be  ranged  due  north  and  south,  east  and  west,  with  the  porch  or 
steeple  at  the  east  end." 

At  a  meeting  held  August  28,  1797,  "  Voted,  That  this  Society  direct 
the  present  committee  of  superintendence  for  building  a  meeting  house  in 
this  society  proceed  to  erect  and  finish  a  meeting  house  at  the  stake  set  by 
the  Assembly's  Committee  where  the  foundation  now  lies.  33  for,  21 
against." 

At  a  meeting  held  August  30,  1798,  "  Voted,  To  proceed  to  finish  the 
lower  part  of  the  meeting  house,  now  erecting,  with  the  breastwork  of  the 
gallery,  as  soon  as  may  be,  lathing  and  plastering  excepted." 

At  a  meeting  held  September,  24,  1798,  "Voted,  That  the  Committee 
appointed  to  superintend  the  building  a  meeting  house  in  this  society,  be 
directed  to  engage  some  suitable  person  to  finish  the  same  as  they  shall 
judge  will  be  best  for  the  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  October  15,  1798,  "  Voted,  To  build  pews  in  all  the 
lower  part  of  the  meeting  house  instead  of  seats." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  12,  1798,  "  Voted,  To  sell  and  dispose  of 
the  old  meeting  house  in  this  society,  and  apply  the  avails  of  it  towards 
defraying  the  charges  of  the  new  meeting  house  now  building  in  said 
society,  according  to  the  discretion  of  a  committee  hereafter  to  be  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  23,  1801,  "  Voted,  That  we  will  raise  one  cent 
on  a  dollar,  for  the  purpose  of  painting  the  meeting  house,  on  the  list  of 
1800." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  6,  1802,  "  Voted,  That  James  "Wells,  jun., 
be  a  society  clerk  in  the  room  of  Daniel  Willard  who  has  resigned  said 
office." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  8,  1803,  to  take  into  consideration  "  Mr.  Bel- 
den's  proposals  to  the  society." 


Gen.  Lafayette.  He  married  Jemima  Kellogg,  March  27,  1785,  and  settled  in 
Ncwington.  In  May,  178S,  lie  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Sixth  Keg' t  of 
State  Militia.  In  May,  1793,  lie  was  appointed  brigadier-general  of  the  Seventh 
Brigade  of  Militia.  He  was  a  member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  at  the 
sessions  held  in  May,  October  and  December,  1790,  May,  1791,  May,  1792,  May 
and  October,  1793,  May,  1794,  and  May,  1795,  being  a  member  when  he  died. 
In  personal  appearance  ho  was  tall  and  commanding,  being  over  six  feet  high,  and 
by  his  training  and  martial  bearing  was  well  fitted  to  be  a  general  in  reality  as 
well  as  in  name. 

♦  These  are  the  last  votes  of  the  Society  on  the  subject  of  schools.     The 
school  society  was  probably  soon  organized. 


77 

"  Voted,  To  comply  with  Mr.  Beklen's  first  proposal." 

"  Voted,  To  appoint  a  committee  to  hire  a  candidate  if  there  should  be 
need." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  5,  1803,  "  Voted,  To  pay  the  Rev. 
Joshua  Belden  the  salary  due  to  him  to  the  present  time,  $290,  to  be 
raised  on  the  list  of"  1803."* 

"  Voted,  To  raise  8200,  on  the  list  of  1803,  for  the  purpose  of  supply- 
ing the  pulpit  the  year  ensuing,  and  that  one  half  be  collected  and  paid 
by  the  first  day  of  March  next,  and  the  remainder  by  the  last  day  of  June 
next." 

"  Voted,  Tliat  Col.  Levi  Lusk,  Dea.  James  Wells,  Dea.  Daniel  Wil- 
lard  and  Mr.  Abel  Andrus  be  a  committee  to  supply  the  pulpit  the  ensuing 
year,  according  to  the  best  of  their  discretion." 

At  a  meeting  held  JTovember  19,  1804,  *'  Voted,  That  this  society  will 
give  Mr.  Joab  Brace  a  call  to  settle  with  us  in  the  gospel  ministry,  (51  for 
O.) 

"  Voted,  That  Col.  Levi  Lusk,  Dea.  James  Wells,  Dea.  Daniel  Willard, 
Mr.  Abel  Andrus,  Mr.  Martin  Kellogg,  Maj.  Justus  Francis,  and  Mr. 
David  Lowrey,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Brace  on  said  subject, 
and  to  obtain  his  mind  with  respect  to  settling  in  this  society,  and  make 
report  to  the  next  meeting." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  3,  1804,  "  Voted  that  this  society  agree 
to  the  report  made  to  this  meeting  by  the  committee  appointed  to  confer 
with  Mr.  Joab  Brace  with  respect  to  his  settling  in  this  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  1 7,  1804,  "  Voted,  That  this  society  agree  to  the 
proposals  made  by  the  Committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Joab 
Brace,  and  his  agreement  thereto  be  agreed  to,  and  that  the  day  appointed 
for  his  being  ordained  be  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  January  next.  (45 
for,  2  against.) 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  appointed,  in  concurrence  with 
the  committee  to  be  appointed  by  the  church,  to  grant  letters  missive  and 
to  transact  all  business  relative  to  the  ordination. 

"  Voted,  That  the  aforesaid  committee  be  appointed  to  seat  the  counsel 
and  strangers  that  shall  attend  on  the  day  of  prdination,  and  that  they 
confer  with  Mr.  Brace  on  what  day  he  wishes  to  have  a  fast,  and  make 
public  proclamation  on  the  Sabbath."f 

At  a  meeting  held  January  7,  1805,  "Voted,  That  Abel  Andrus,  David 
Lowrey,  Martin  Kellogg,  Unni  Robbins,  jun.,  Simon  Kilbourn,  Lemuel 
Holmes,  Widow  Honor  Blinn,  and  Widow  Jemima  Welles  be  appointed  to 
keep  houses  of  entertainment  on  the  day  of  ordination." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  11,  1805,  "  Voted,  $39.83  to  Joshua  Bel- 
den, Esq.,  for  entertaining  the  counsel."  ' 

"  Voted,  Widow  Jemima  Welles  $25.50  for  boarding  Mr.  Brace  and 
keeping  his  horse." 

Mr.  Joab  Brace's  Call  from  the  Society. 

"Newington,  December  3d,  1804. 
"  Whereas  Joab  Brace,  candidate,  has  been  preaching  for  a  length  of 
time  among  us,  and  given  universal  satisfaction,  we  hereby  give  him  a 
call  to  settle  among  us,  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry  ;  and  for  his 
encouragement  in  the  same  we  engage  with  him  on  the  following  terms, 
viz  :  That  we  will  give  him  a  permanent  salary  of  three  hundred  and 

*  Mr.  Belden  did  the  actnal  service  of  the  ministry  during  fifty-six  years.  Dr. 
Brace's  Dis.,  17. 

t  The  fast  was  January  9,  1805,  and  the  ordination  January  16,  1805. 


78 

seventy  dollars  a  year  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  to  officiate  with  us  in 
the  ministry  of  the  gospel.  Provided,  however,  that  his  salary  shall 
not  cease  for  any  temporary  interruption  from  any  providential  ill- 
ness or  inability.  Also  in  addition  to  the  above  we  will  give  him, 
for  the  four  first  years  successively,  one  hundred  dollars  a  year,  out 
of  the  interest  of  the  public  moneys  belonging  to  this  society,  for  his 
present  assistance.  And,  further,  we  will  fetch  and  deliver  to  him  yearly 
the  wood  he  shall  provide,  not  exceeding  twenty  loads  a  year,  from  a  lot 
lying  about  two  miles  south-west  of  West  Hartford  meeting  house. 
Signed,  in  behalf  of  the  society, 
Abel  Andrus,  David  Lowrey,  Martin  Kellogg,  James  Wells,  Justus 
Francis,  Levi  Lusk,  Daniel  Willard,  committee. 

Mr.  Brace\i  answer  io  the  Societ)/. 

The  people  of  this  society  having  given  me  a  regular  call  to  settle 
among  them  in  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  having  proposed  their 
engagement  with  me  on  the  following  terms,  viz.  :•  Tliat  they  will  give  me 
a  permanent  salai'y  of  three  hundred  and  seventy  dollars  a  year  so  long  as 
I  shall  continue  to  officiate  with  them  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  Pro- 
vided, however,  that  my  salary  shall  not  cease  in  case  of  any  temporary 
interruption  by  any  Providential  illness  or  inability.  That  in  addition 
to  the  above  permanent  salary,  they  will  give  me,  for  the  four  first  years 
successively,  one  hundred  dollars  a  year  out  of  the  interest  of  the  public 
monies  belonging  to  this  society,  for  my  present  assistance.  And  further, 
that  they  will  fetch  and  deliver  to  me  yearly  the  fire  wood  which  1  shall 
provide,  not  exceeding  twenty  loads  a  year,  from  a  lot  lying  about  two 
miles  south-west  of  West  Hartford  meeting  house.  And  I,  also,  having 
turned  my  attention  to  this  great  and  solemn  subject,  with  mature  delib- 
eration, with  much  prayer  to  God,  and  with  consultation  of  those  friends 
whom  I  judged  capable  of  advising.  These  are  therefore  to  signify  my 
acceptance  of  their  proposals  and  agreement  stated  above,  and  my  will- 
ingness to  comply  with  their  call,  depending  on  divine  aid,  to  be  their 
minister  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  devoutly  praying  to  Almighty  God  that 
by  His  sovereign  grace  I  may  be  the  humble  instrument  in  His  hands  of 
awakening  and  converting  sinners,  and  of  building  up  saints  in  holiness 
and  comfort,  through  faith  unto  salvation,  and  that  this  solemn  connection 
may  be  for  the  everlasting  peace  and  happiness  both  of  this  people  and 
myself.  Newington,  December  17th,  A.  D.  1804. 

JoAij  Brace. 

Addition  to  Mr.  Brace's  answer. 

That  there  may  be  no  objection  in  the  minds  of  any  person,  I  am  content 
that  the  donation  for  the  tour  first  years  should  be  paid  on  the  following 
conditions,  viz. :  If  I  should  be  dismissed  from  this  people  at  my  own 
request,  at  the  end  of  four  years,  that  only  half  the  four  years  donation  be 
retained  by  me,  if  at  the  end  of  six  years,  three  fourths  of  th«  four  years 
donation  be  retained,  and  if  I  continue  eight  years  that  the  whole  be 
retained ;  but  if  I  am  dismissed  at  the  people's  request,  no  refunding  shall 
be  made.  Newington,  December  17th,  1804. 

J.  Brace. 

Rev.  Joshua  Bclden  was  born  July  19,  1724.  He  was  a 
graduate  of  Yale  College  in  the  class  of  1748.  He  began  to 
preach  in  Newington  in  May,  1747,  and  was  ordained  as  pas- 


79 

tor  Nov.  11,  1747,  when  he  was  twenty-three  years  of  age. 
He  actively  discharged  the  duties  of  the  pastoral  office  from 
that  time  till  Nov.  1803,  a  period  of  fifty-six  years,  when  the 
infirmities  of  age  compelled  him  to  relinquish  them.  The 
pulpit  was  then  supplied  by  Rev.  Aaron  Cleveland,  and  per- 
haps others,  till  October  7, 1804,  when  Rev.  Joab  Brace  began 
to  preach.  Mr.  Brace  was  ordained  January  16,  1805,  enter- 
tering  this  "•solemn  connection''  at  the  same  age  as  his  imme- 
diate predecessor  had  done,  when  he  was  but  twenty-three 
years  old.  He  continued  the  pastor  of  the  church  till  he  also 
resigned,  after  a  service  of  fifty  years.  He  preached  his  last 
discourse  as  pastor,  January  16,  l8oo.  This  discourse,  which 
was  of  an  liistorical  character,  was  published  by  vote  of  the 
society.  Dr.  Brace  died  at  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  at  the  residence 
of  Rev.  John  Todd,  his  son-in-law,  April  20,  1861,  aged  80. 

The  history  of  the  society  to  the  close  of  Mr.  Belden's 
pastorate  is  virtually  the  history  of  Newington.  For  nearly 
the  first  century  of  its  existence  it  was  the  only  organization 
within  its  geographical  limits.  Even  the  church,  during  the 
time  of  Mr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Backus,  has  left  no  traces  to 
show  that  it  was  in  any  sense  separate  from  the  society. 
Either  no  church  records  were  then  kept,  or  if  kept  they  have 
been  lost.  The  ecclesiastical  society  appointed  the  days  for 
the  ordination  of  the  three  first  ministers  and  the  days  for 
fasting  and  prayer.  No  reference  is  made  to  any  concurrent 
action  on  the  part  of  the  church. 

The  society  voted  September  12,  1722,  ''  to  keep  Wednes- 
day, the  3d  day  of  October,  next  ensuing,  as  a  fast,  to  implore 
divine  assistance  of  God,  in  gathering  a  church  of  Christ 
here,  and  in  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elisha  Williams," 
yet  Mr.  Williams  had  already  preached  two  years,  the  meet- 
ing house  had  been  raised  in  April,  1716,  and  January  15, 
1719,  the  society  voted  to  call  a  minister,  and  appointed  a 
committee  to  treat  with  Mr.  Nathaniel  Burnham.  Tlie  meet- 
ing house  was  located  by  the  Legislative  Committee,  "  near 
Dca.  Joseph  Andrus'  house,"  so  that  there  was  a  deacon  at 
that  time,  Mliy  13,  1715.  He  was  undoubtedly  the  first  dea- 
con, and  the  only  one  before  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Williams; 


80 

whenever  his  name  occurs  he  is  uniformly  given  the  title  of 
Deacon.  The  second  was  Dea.  John  Deming,  who  is  given  the 
title  for  the  first  time  in  the  record  of  the  next  meeting  held 
after  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Williams.  He  was  probably 
appointed  deacon  at  the  fast,  when  the  church  was  organized. 
These  two  were  the  deacons  during  nearly  the  whole  of  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Williams.  Tiie  name  of  Dea.  Andrus  appears 
for  the  last  time  in  the  record  of  tlie  meeting  held  January 
6,  1726.  He  was  succeeded  by  Dea.  Jabez  Whittelsey,  who 
first  receives  that  title  in  the  record  of  the  meeting  held 
April  15,  1726.  Dea.  Whittelsey  continued  to  act  till  he 
removed  from  the  place  in  1745.  He  was  probably  succeeded 
by  Dea.  Josiah  Willard,  whose  name  next  appears  with  that 
title  in  the  records.  Dea.  Willard  died  March  10,  1757,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Dea.  Joshua  Andrus.  Dea.  John  Deming 
died  May  1,  1761,  and  was  succeeded  by  Dea.  John  Camp, 
who  was  appointed  July  2,  1761.  Dea.  John  Camp  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Dea.  Elisha  Stoddard,  who  was  chosen  August  14, 
1782.  Dea.  Joshua  Andrus  was  succeeded  by  Dea.  Charles 
Churchill  who  was  chosen  August  81,  1786,  Dea.  Elisha 
Stoddard  was  succeeded  by  Dea.  James  Wells,  who  was 
chosen  August  5,  1790.  Dea.  Charles  Churchill  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Dea.  Daniel  Willard,  chosen  Feb.  24,  1803.  Dea. 
Wells  and  Dea.  Willard  were  the  two  deacons  of  the  church 
when  Mr.  Brace  was  ordained. 

The  first  church  records  kept,  separate  from  the  society 
records,  are  those  of  Mr.  Belden.  These  records  are  quite 
defective  as  to  church  votes  and  proceedings.  All  the  records 
of  cases  of  discipline  were  purposely  destroyed  by  him.  His 
record  of  Baptisms,  Marriages,  and  those  who  owned  the  Half- 
way Covenant,  appears  to  be  complete.  The  others  are  more 
or  less  defective.  These  records  are  appended,  and  together 
with  the  society  records,  form  the  treasury  to  which  we  must  go 
for  accurate  information  during  the  period  of  Mr.  Belden's 
ministry.  Only  a  selection  from  the  society  records  could  be 
admitted  within  the  compass  of  this  work,  the  aim  has  been 
to  present  those  votes  wliich  best  illustrate  the  History  of  the 
parish.     They  show  that  the  powers  of  the  society  in  its  early 


81 

days  embraced  many  subjects  now  within  other  jurisdictions, 
such  as  schools,  pounds  and  pound-keepers,  the  flocking  of 
sheep,  appointment  of  sheep-masters,  the  burying  yard,  &g. 
The  minister's  salary  and  the  other  society  expenses  were  paid 
by  "minister  and  society  rates"  or  taxes  which  were  assessed 
each  year  upon  the  list  of  all  the  inhabitants  within  the 
geographical  limits  of  the  parish.  The  Collector  of  these 
rates  was  armed  with  a  warrant  which  authorized  and  required 
him,  "  in  liis  Majesty's  name,"  to  collect  the  sums  named  in 
his  rate  bill,  of  the  several  persons  therein  named,  and  in 
default  of  payment,  to  distrain  their  goods  and  chattels,  and 
for  want  of  goods  or  chattels,  to  seize  the  bodies  of  the  de- 
linquents and  them  to  commit  to  the  common  jail,  tliere  to 
remain  till  they  paid  and  satisfied  the  sums  assessed  upon 
them,  unless  upon  application  to  the  County  Court,  their 
rates  were  abated.  With  this  formidable  power  it  is  pre- 
sumed the  Collector  was  generally  successful  in  raising  the 
minister's  salary  and  the  society  expenses.  Rates  were  quite 
commonly  paid  in  wheat,  rye,  or  Indian  corn,  at  standard 
prices,  varied  from  year  to  year,  and  fixed  by  votes  of  the 
society,  a  medium  of  exchange  more  stable  and  certain  often- 
times,  than  the  fluctuating  currency  of  tlie  Colonies,  especially 
when  inflated  in  times  of  war  or  great  necessities  for  money. 
The  seats  in  church  were  not  sold,  neither  were  they  free, 
but  they  were  assigned  by  a  committee  duly  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  called  "  seaters,"  who,  in  seating  the  inhabit- 
ants, paid  due  regard  to  tlieir  list,  age,  parentage  and  useful- 
ness. During  the  time  of  Mr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Backus,  the 
male  and  female  portions  of  the  audience  were  separated,  but 
afterwards  men  and  tlieir  wives  were  permitted  to  worship 
together.  Wlien  the  second  meeting  house  was  built,  the  then 
modern  invention  of  pews  was  substituted  for  seats,  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  house.  In  the  first  meeting  house,  though 
its  walls  were  not  lathed  and  plastered  for  some  years,  no 
artificial  heat  ever  warmed  the  hearers  in  their  devotions. 
Not  till  after  Mr.  Brace's  settlement  was  this  innovation  made. 
The  zeal  of  the  worshipers  more  than  supplied  the  want  of 
luxuries.  The  long  doctrinal  sermons  of  the  day  enabled 
11 


82 

them  to  become  well  grounded  in  the  tenets  of  their  religion, 
and  better  qualified  to  give  reasons  for  the  faith  that  was  in 
them,  than  the  worshipers  of  the  present  day,  who,  in  more 
luxurious  churches,  listen  to  less  exhaustive  sermons.  Cases 
of  discipline  were  more  common  then  than  now,  probably  be- 
cause the  watch  and  care  of  the  church  over  its  members  were 
more  strict  and  constant,  the  church  members  fewer  in  number, 
and  the  church  more  accustomed,  from  the  union  of  the  church 
and  State,  to  wield  the  arm  of  power  than  at  present ;  then 
there  was  also  one  prolific  source  of  evils,  the  sin  of  intem- 
perance, far  more  common  in  the  church  than  to-day.  The 
circumstances  of  the  times  in  which  they  lived  in  the  last 
century,  tended  to  make  our  fathers  and  mothers  rugged  in 
body,  and  strong  in  mind  and  character.  They  were  trained 
amid  privations  and  necessities,  contest  succeeded  contest 
with  Indians,  French,  and  lastly  with  the  English.  They  had 
to  grapple  with  nature  itself,  and  turn  the  wild  wilderness 
into  the  cultivated  field,  to  build  roads  and  bridges,  meeting 
houses  and  school  houses,  causing  endless  disputes  between 
conflicting  interests.  The  first  settlers  had  to  fight  against 
the  adverse  influences  of  a  new  climate,  diseases  laid  them 
low,  and  death  consigned  them  to  the  "place  of  silence." 
Educated  in  such  a  school  they  were  taught,  first,  reliance  on 
God,  second,  reliance  on  themselves,  and  they  became  valiant 
soldiers,  whether  battling  for  their  spiritual  or  temporal  inter- 
ests. They  laid  the  foundation  of  religion  and  education, 
broad  and  deep.  They  builded  better  than  they  knew.  Let 
their  descendants,  while  they  reap  the  benefits  of  their  toil, 
also  cherish  and  honor  their  memory.  "  Tell  ye  your  children 
of  it,  and  let  your  children  tell  their  children,  and  their 
children  another  generation." 


.  THE   FIRST  RECORDS 


CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH  IN   NEWIXGTON, 

CONTADflNO 

Admissions   to    Communion,   Baptisms,  Those  AA^ho 

Acknowledged   the    Baptismal   Covenant, 

Church   Votes   and    Proceedings, 

Marriages  and  Deaths, 

From    November    11,    1747,    to    January    16,    1805, 

AS   KEPT   BY 

Eev.  JOSHUA  BELDEN,    Pastor. 


Admissions  to  Communion. 

Feb.  9,  1752.  Stephen  Deming  and  his  wife  .were  admitted  to  fuU 
communion. 

April  26.  Louis  (Lois),  the  wife  of  Phinehas  Andrus,  being  recom- 
mended from  Stepney,  was  accepted  to  communion  with  this 
church.  At  the  same  time  Abigail,  the  wife  of  John  Frary, 
recommended   from  East  Guilford,  was  accepted  to  communion. 

June  28.  Mary,  the  wife  of  Daniel  Kilborn,  recommended  from  Kil- 
lingworth,  was  accepted  to  communion. 

Nov.  26.  Penelope,  the  wife  of  John  Camp,  was  admitted  to  full 
communion. 

April  1,  1753.     David  Goodrich  was  admitted  to  full  communion. 

At  the  same  time  Henry  Kircura,  with  his  wife,  recommended  from 
New  Cambridge,  were  received  again  to  communion. 


84 

June  1,  1755.  Prudence,  the  wife  of  Timothy  Kilborn,  and  Happy 
Kilborn  were  admitted  to  full  com. 

At  the  same  time  Mr.  David  Webster,  with  his  wife,  recommended 
from  Glassenbury,  were  admitted  to  church  privileges. 

Aug.  3.  Peletiah  Buck,  jr.,  and  his  wife,  were  admitted  to  full 
communion. 

Dec.  4.     Mercy  Lamb  was  admitted  to  full  communion. 

June  6,  1756.     Jemima  Lamb  "  " 

Jan.  16,  1757.  Abigail,  the  wife  of  David  Woolcut,  recommended 
from  Guilford,  was  accepted  to  church  privileges. 

Dec.  3,  1758.  Sarah,  the  wife  of  Thomas  Francis,  recommended 
from  East  Middletown,  was  accepted  to  (tljurch  privileges. 

April  6,  17C0.     Sarah  Wells,  admitted  to  fuU  communion. 

May  3,  1761.     Mr.  Simon  Backus      "  « 

July  4,  1762.     Thomas  Francis  "  « 

March  6,  1763.     Thomas  Wright       "  " 

May  1.     Henry  Kircum,  jun.,  "  " 

July  3.  Martha,  the  wife  of  Ensign  Chas.  Hurlbut,  admitted  to  full 
communion. 

May  6,  1764.     Caleb  Andrus  admitted  to  full  communion. 

July  5,  1767.     Mr.  Zadock  Hun     "  "  " 

May  7,  1769.     Eunice  Woolcot      "  «  " 

Sept.  3.  Dorothy,  the  wife  of  Luther  Latimer,  received  to  commu- 
nion. 

At  the  same  time  Hannah,  wife  of  David  Woolcut,  jun.,  recommended 
from  Windsor,  was  accepted,  to  stated  com. 

Nov.  5.  Joseph  Churchil  and  his  wife  were  admitted  to  full  com- 
munion. 

At  the  same  time  James  Wells  was  admitted  to  communion. 

April  29,  1770.  Martha  Wells  aud  Eunice  Lusk  admitted  into  com- 
munion. 

July  1.  Elijah  Wells  and  Mary  Lusk  were  admitted  to  full  com- 
munion. 

Nov.  1.  Gamaliel  Deming  and  Rebecca,  his  wife,  Cloe  Wells  and 
Absalom  Wells  were  admitted  to  communion. 

July  28,  1771.     Ashbel  Seymour  was  admitted  to  full  communion. 

Jan.  6,  1772.  Elias  Francis  and  his  wife  were  received  to  full  com- 
munion. 

March  1.  Capt.  Charles  Churchill  and  his  wife  received  to  full 
communion. 

At  the  same  time  Lucy  Camp  was  admitted  to  full  communion. 

Nov.  1.  Jessie  Churchill  and  Sarah,  his  wife,  recommended  from 
New  Cambridge,  admitted  to  communion. 

Dec.  13,  1772.  Hannah  Fairchild,  admitted  to  communion  and 
baptised. 

Jan.  3,  1773.     Louis  Latimer,  received  to  full  communion. 

April,  1774.  Fitch  Hurlbut  and  Jemima,  his  wife,  received  to 
communion. 

June  25.  Mary,  wife  of  Joseph  Stoddord,  and  Dinah,  wife  of  Enoch 
Stoddord,  received  into  the  church. 


85 

March  5,  1775.     Honor  Belden,  recommeaded  from  the  first  church 

in  Norwich,  was  accepted  to  stated  com. 
July  7,  1776.     Hannah,  wife  of  Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  recommended 

from  Caanan,  received  to  stated  communion. 
Sept.  1.     Lydia  Fox  andLydia  Buck,  admitted  to  communion. 
April  20,  1777.     Robert  Welles,  jr.,   and    Abigail,  his  wife,  Mary 

Belden  and  Martha  Belden  were  admitted  to  full  communion. 
May  4.     Elisha   Stoddord  and   Hannah,    wife  of  Jonathan    Curtis, 

were  received  to  communion. 
June  22.     Daniel  Willard,  jun.,  renewed  covenant  and  was  received 

into  full  com. 
June  29.     Lemuel   Hurlbut  and  Tabitha,  his  wife,  received  to  full 

communion. 
Feb.  15,  1778.    William  Richards  renewed  covenant  and  was  received 

to  full  com. 
Aug.  9.     Sarah,   wife   of  Jedediah   Mills  was  admitted   to  church 

communion. 
April  2,  1780.     Levi  Hurlbut  and  Martha,  his  wife,  and  Mercy,  the 

wife  of  8aml.  Clmrchill,  were  admitted  to  church  com. 
May  7.     Elizabeth,  wife  of  Bernard  Romans,  admitted  to  church 

com. 
The  same  day  Love,  the  wife  of  James  Lusk,  recommended  from 

vSuffield,  received  to  communion. 
July  2.     Jemima  Kellogg,  admitted  to  full  com. 
"  23.     Amos    Buck,   and   Abigail,   his    wife,  admitted    to  church 

com. 
Oct.  29.     Justus  Francis,  received  to  church  com. 
Feb.  25,  1781.     Thankfull  Seymour,  admitted  to  church  com. 
May  6.     Tabitha,  wife  of  Elias  Andrus  received  to  communion,  re- 
commended from  East  Windsor. 
Oct.  14.      Mable,    wife    of  Amos  Andrus  Webster,  recommended 

from  Worthington  Church,  received  to  stated  communion. 
May  4,  1783.     Capt.  Robert  Welles,  received  to  church  com. 
Oct.  5.     Elizabeth,   wife   of  George  Woolcutt,   received   to   church 

com. 
Jan.  4,  1 784.     Anne  Deming  was  admitted  to  church  communion. 
Feb.  20,  1785.     Ephraim  Peterson  and  his  wife,  recommended  from 

the  church  at  Piermont,  were  admitted  to  church  communion,  and 

privately. 
May  1.     Octaviaand  Rhoda  Belden  admitted  to  church  communion. 
Sept.  4.     Abel  Andrus  admitted  to  full  communion. 
Feb.  19,  1786.     Sarah,  wife  of  Oswell  Rockwell,  admitted  to  church 

com. 
March  5.  Abigail,  wife  of  James  Welles,  recommended  from  Bristol, 

was  received  to  stated  com. 
At  the  same  time,  also,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Simon  Welles,  recommended 

from  East  Guilford. 
June  25.     Obediah  Smith  admitted  to  church  com. 
1781  or  1782.     Dorothy,  the  wife  of  Elisha  Stoddord,  was  admitted 


86 

to  full  communion,  but  not  being  entered  at  the  time  the  exact  date 
is  forgotten. 

March  4,  1787.  Lois,  wife  of  Justus  Francis,  recommended  from  N. 
Britain,  admitted  to  stated  communion. 

Sept.  2.  Rhoda,  wife  of  Abel  Andrus,  recommended  from  West 
Hartford,  received  to  stated  com. 

Sept.  16.  Mary,  wife  of  David  Stoddord,  admitted  to  church  com- 
munion. 

Nov.  4.  Isabel  Comwell,  recommended  from  New  Britain,  received 
to  communion. 

Nov.  1,  1789.     Silas  Churchill,  admitted  to  church  com. 

Jan.  24,  1790.  Judith,  wife  of  John  Hurlbut,  and  Hannah,  wife  of 
Abijah  Wright,  admitted  to  church  com. 

Nov.  7.  Eleazur  Merrill  and  his  wife  recommended  from  West 
Hartford,  were  received  to  com. 

Sept.  4, 1791.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Roger  Francis,  recommended  from 
New  Britain,  was  received  to  stated  com. 

Oct.  1 6.     Lt.  Sam'l  Hurlbut  was  admitted  to  church  com. 

Jan.  8,  1792.  Waitstill  Dickinson  and  his  wife  admitted  to  full 
com. 

At  the  same  time  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Ephraim  Deming,  was  admitted 
etc. 

Feb.  26.     Simon  Welles  was  admitted  to  church  com. 

Aug.  26.     Jerusha  Seymour,  admitted  to  full  c(>m. 

May  4,  1794.  Rose,  negro  woman,  recommended  from  Durham,  ad- 
mitted to  church  com. 

Sept.  6,  1795.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Elias  Seymour,  Honor,  wife  of 
Ashbel  Seymour,  and  Abigail  Hubbard  were  admitted  to  full 
com. 

Oct.  25.  Admitted  to  church  communion,  Martha  Fox  and  Mary 
Atwood,  the  last  baptized  at  the  same  time. 

July  3,  1796.  Janna  Deming  and  his  wife,  and  Josiah  Francis  and 
his  wife  were  received  to  full  com. 

Nov.  6.  Widow  Mercy  Griswold  and  Abigail,  the  wife  of  Josiah 
Griswold,  recommended  from  West  Hartford,  were  admitted  to 
church  com. 

May  7,  1797.  Levi  Welles  and  his  wife  and  Alma  Welles  were  re- 
ceived to  full  com. 

And  Sarah,  the  wife  of  Lemuel  Holmes  admitted  (on  a  letter  received 
from  Stepney). 

July  2.  Honor,  wife  of  Jonathan  Blin,  Lucy  Welles  and  Lucy  Gay- 
lord  were  admitted  to  full  communion. 

July  1,  1798.  Eleazur  Brown  and  Anne,  his  wife,  recommended 
from  the  Church  in  New  London,  were  received  to  com. 

July  14,  1799.  Hannah  Andrus  and  Clary  Welles  were  admitted  to 
full  communion  with  the  church. 

Also  Eleazur  Merrill  and  his  wife  received  again,  recommended  from 
New  liritain,  where  they  have  resided  some  time. 

Sept.  1.     Erasfus  S^^ymour,  admitted  to  com. 

Nov.  3.     Mary  Kellogg,  2d,  admitted  to  com. 


8T 

March  2,  1800.     Silva,  wife  of  Michel  Wright  and  Anne  Camp  were 

admitted  to  full  com. 
Sept.  7.      Levi  Deming.  Ashbel  Seymour,  jr.,   Mary    Lowry  and 

Jemima  Kellogg  were  admitted  to  full  com. 
Nov.  2.     Prudence  Merril  admitted  to  full  communion. 
March  1,  1801.     Joshua  Belden,  jur.,  and  Dorothy,  his  wife,  admitted 

to  full  communion. 
May  3.     Francis  Coslet  was  admitted  to  full  com. 
Dec.  20.     Oledine  Andrus  admitted  to  com.,  and  baptized. 
Same  time,  Eimice  Seymour  received  to  church  com. 
March  14,  1802,     David  Lowry  and  his  wife  received  to  com. 
April  17,  1803.     Roger  Hurlbut  received  to  com. 
Oct.  30.     Anne  Andrus  admitted  to  com.  and  baptized. 
Nov.  6.     Lydia  Andius  received  to  com. 
Nov.  4,  1804.     Esther  Latimer  admitted  to  com. 
Dec.  23.    Anne,  tlie  wife  of  Elizur  Andrus,  and  Louis,  wife  of  Fitch 

Andrus,  were  admitted  to  communion. 

Admissions,  total,  -         -         -         -         169 

Feb.  17, 1805.     Absalom  Welles  and  Lorania,  his  wife,  were  rece'ed 
I     to  church  com. 

January  16,   1805: 
Members,         -         -         -        -        -        51 


IL 


Baptisms. 


Nov.  15,  1747.  Elizabeth,  d.  of 
Josiah  Kilborn. 

D(  c.  6th.  Abigail,  d.  of  Stephen 
Deming. 

Dec.  13.  Abraham,  s.  of  Elisha 
Warren. 

Dec.  27.  Bela,  s.  of  Benj.  Good- 
rich, and  Elizur,  s.  of  Benajah 
Andrus. 

Jan.  24,  1747-8.  Epaphras,  s.  of 
Thomas  Stoddord. 

Jan.  31.  Ashbel,  son  of  Beavil 
Seymore,  Theodore,  s.  of  Israel 
Bordman,  and  Rhoda,  d.  of  Sol- 
omon Deming. 

Feb.  14.  Jeames,  s.  of  William 
Wells,  and  Oliver,  son  of  Jona- 
than Churchil. 


Mar.  6.     Cloe,  d.  of  Wm.  Andrus. 

At  same  time,  John,  s.  of  John 

Lusk,  and  Daniel,  son  of  Heze- 

kiah  Deming. 
May  1.      Hannah,  d.  of  Samuel 

Hun,  and  Elias,  son  of  Josiah 

Francis. 
May   29.      Eunice,   d.  of   David 

Woolcot. 
July  10.     Eliphalet,  s.  of  Elipha- 

let  Whittlesey,  jr.,  and  Abigail, 

d.  of  Zebulon  Robbins,  per  Mr. 

William  Burnham. 
Nov.  2.     Solomon,  son  of  Amos 

Hurlbut. 
Nov.  27,  1748.     Timothy,  son  of 

Timothy  Kilborn,  and  Patience, 


d.  of  Mary  Barns,  once  Mary 

Woolcot. 
Dec.  4.    Asa,  s.  of  Solomon  Dem- 

ing. 
Dec.  18.    Benjamin,  s.  of  George 

Kilborn. 
Dec.  25.     Hannah,  d.  of  Daniel 

Willard,  and  Lucy,  d.  of  Phin- 

eas  Cole. 
Jan.  1,  1748-9.     Honor,  daugh.  of 

Wid.  Hannah  Whaples. 
Jan.   12.     Hannah,  d.  of  Charles 

Churchil. 
Jan.  15.     Sarah,  d.  of  Sam'l  Hun. 
Feb.  19.     Elizabeth,  d.  of  Joseph 

Hurlbut. 
Mar.  6.    Jeames,  s.  of  Thos.  Stan- 
ley, jr.,  in  the  mother's  right. 
April  2.     Lucy,  d.  of  John  Camp. 
April  9.     Abigail,  dau.  of  Capt. 

Robert  Wells,  and  Amos,  s.  of 

Samuel   Buck,  per  Mr.  James 

Lockwood. 
April  23.     Anne,  dau.  of  Martin 

Kellogg,  jr. 
May  21.     Josiah,  son  of  Elijah 

Andrus,  Benajah,  son  of  Israel 

Bordman,  and  Aron,  s.  of  Sam'l 

Richards,  all    per   Mr.   Daniel 

Russell. 
May  28.     Esther,  d.  of  Stedman 

Young. 
June  18,  1749.     Thankfull,  d.  of 

Gideon  Hun. 
July  9.     Reuben,  son  of  Judah 

Wright. 
Oct.  8.     Sarah,  d.  of  Robt.  Wood- 
ruff. 
Oct.  29.     Martha,  d.  of  William 

Wells.      At    the     same    time, 

baptized,  Elias,  son    of  Josiah 

Wright,    and  Timothy,  son    of 

Timothy  Goodrich. 
Dec.  3.     Hannah,  dau.  of  Ehsha 

Warren. 
Jan.  17,  1749-50.      Louis,  dau.  of 

Timothy  Judd. 
Mar.  25,  1750.      Rhoda,  dau.  of 

Benjamin  Goodrich. 


April  22.     Thankful,  d.  of  Beavil 

Seymore. 
May  20.     Silas,  son  of  Benajah 

Andrus.      At   the   same   time, 

baptized,  Eunice,  dau.  of  John 

Lusk. 
June  24.   Abel,  s.  of  Josiah  Hinsdil. 
July  8.     Elizabeth,  d.  of  Joseph 

Deming. 
Aug.  12.     Lydia,  d.  of  Thomas 

Stoddord. 
Aug.  19.     David,  s.  of  Eliphelet 

Whittlesey.     At  the  same  time, 

baptized,  Martha,  d.  of  Phineas 

Cole. 
Aug.  26.      Elijah,  son  of  Oliver 

Atwood.      At   the  same   time, 

baptized,  Lemuel,  s.  of  Amos 

Hurlbut. 
Nov.  11.     Justus,  son  of  Josiah 

Francis,  per  James  Lockvrood. 
Nov.  25.     William,  s.  of  Daniel 

Willard. 
Dec.  9.     Rosannah  Deming,  d.  of 

Stephen  Deming.     ' 
Dec.  16.     William,  son  of  Elijah 

Burnham. 
Dec.  23.     Sarah,  d.  of  Stephen 

Kellogg. 
Jan.   20,  1751.     Martha,  dau.  of 

Joshua  Belding.     At  the  same 

time,  baptized,  Jonathan,  s.  of 

Ezra  Balding. 
Feb.  3.     Hannah,  d.  of  Ephraim 

Blin. 
Mar.  3.     Eliphalet,  s.  of  Samuel 

Richards. 
Mar.  17.     Hannah,  d.  of  Thomas 

Robbins. 
Mar.  24.     Seth,  s.  of  Noah  Stan- 
ley.    At  the  same  time,  baptiz- 
ed, Elizur,  s.  of  Janna  Deming. 
Mar.  31.    Ruth,  d.  of  Jos.  Andrus. 
April  10.     John,  son  of  Charles 

Hurlbut. 
April  14.     Ruth,  dau.  of  Robert 

Woodruff. 
Aug.  18.     Elisha,  s.  of  Ebenezer 

Smith,  jr. 


89 


Sept.  22.  Asel,  son  of  Judah 
Wright.  At  the  same  time,  bap- 
tized, Mary,  d.  of  John  Peirce. 

Nov.  24.  Ann,  dau.  of  Zebulon 
Goodrich.  At  the  same  time, 
baptized,  Kate,  d.  of  Stephen 
Lee. 

Dec.  15.     Mary,  d.  of  Sam'l  Hun. 

Dec.  29.  Abigail,  d.  of  Zebulon 
Stoddord. 

Jan.  5,  1752.  Hannah,  d.  of  Eli- 
sha  Warren. 

Jan.  12.  Justice,  son  of  Josiah 
Wright. 

Jan.  26.  Anne,  d.  of  Joshua  Bel- 
ding.  At  the  same  time,  bap- 
tized, Melicent,  d.  of  Zebulon 
Goodrich. 

Feb.  2.     Samuel,  s.  of  Jno.  Lusk. 

Feb.  16.  William,  s.  of  Joseph 
Hinsdil. 

Mar.  29.  Robert,  s.  of  William 
Lusk. 

April  5.  Lot,  s.  of  Thos.  Stanley, 
jun. 

April  12.  Elias,  son  of  Janna 
Deming,  per  Mr.  Dan'l  Russell. 

May  3.  Eunice,  dau.  of  Gideon 
Hunn. 

May  10.  Levi,  s.  of  Oliver  At- 
wood,  Hannah,  dau.  of  Amos 
Hurlbut,  and  Timothy,  son  of 
Timothy  Kilborn. 

June  7.  Levi,  s.  of  Chas.  Chur- 
chill. 

July  5.  Nathaniel,  s.  of  Stedman 
Youngs. 

July  12.  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Steph. 
Kellogg. 

July  26.  Rosil,  s.  of  Bevil  Sey- 
more. 

Aug.  2.  Elijah,  sou  of  Gideon 
Griswould. 

Aug.  23.     Joseph,  s.  of  Joseph 
Hurlbut. 
September,  N.  S.  begins. 

Oct.  7.  Mary,  dau.  of  Gamaliel 
Deming. 

12 


Oct.  21.     Elijah,  s.  of  Elijah  An- 

drus. 
Oct.  29.     Hanna,  d.  of  Ephraim 

•Blin. 
Nov.  1 2.     Keturah,  d.  of  Phineas 

Andrus. 
Dec.  10.     John,  s.  of  Jno.  Peirce, 

and  Mary,  d.  of  John  Frary,  upon 

his  wife's  right. 
Feb.  18,  1753.     Elias,  s.  of  Jos. 

Andrus. 
Mar.  4.     Frances,  d.  of  Ebenezer 

Smith,  jun. 
April  8.     Daniel,  son  of  Daniel 

Willard.      At   the  same  time, 

baptized,  Lucina,  d.  of  Josiah 

Francis. 
April    29.     John,   son   of  Elijah 

Stoddord. 
May  20.     Asaph,  s.  of  Eliphelet 

Whittlesey. 
June  17.     Appleton,  s.  of  Capt. 

Robert  Wells,  per  Mr.  James 

Lockwood. 
Aug.  12.     Abigail,  d.  of  Joshua 

Belding. 
Sept.  21.     Abigail,  dau.  of  Caleb 

Webster. 
Sept.  23.     Mary,  dau.  of  Charles 

Churchil. 
Oct.  14.     Martha,  dau.  of  Elijah 

Kircum. 
Oct.  21.     Louis,  d.  of  Bevil  Sey- 
mour. 
Oct.  28.     Sylvia,  dau.  of  Noah 

Stanley. 
Jan.  6,  1854.     Daniel,  s.  of  Janna 

Deming. 
Jan.  20.     Samuel,  s.  of  Zebulon 

Stoddord. 
Jan.  27.     Sylvia,  dau.  of  Stephen 

Deming.      At    the  same  time, 

baptized,  Samuel,  s.  of  Gideon 

Griswould. 
Mar.  3.     Mary,  d.  of  Mr.  David 

Webster. 
Mar.  24.     Hulda,  dau.  of  Josiah 

Atwood,  jr. 


90 


April  21.  Lydia,  dau.  of  John 
Richards. 

May  5.  Samuel,  s.  of  Jonathan 
Whaples. 

June  23.  Simon,  son  of  William 
Wells,  and  Solomon,  s.  of  Jo- 
siah  Wright,  per  Mr.  J.  Lock- 
wood. 

June  28.  Mable,  dau.  of  Darius 
Stevens,  privately. 

Aug.  25.  John,  s.  of  Benjamin 
Goodrich. 

Sept.  29.  Abigail,  d.  of  Solomon 
Deming. 

Nov.  10.  Rhoda,  d.  of  Thomas 
Stoddord,  Seth,  s.  of  Timothy 
Kiiborn,  Rebecca,  d.  of  Gama- 
liel Deming,  and  Rosil,  son  of 
Ephraim  Blin. 

Dec.  22.  Elijah,  son  of  William 
Lusk. 

Jan.  26,  1755.  Samuel,  son  of 
Israel  Bordman. 

Feb.  2.  Josiah,  s.  of  Amos  Hurl- 
but. 

Feb.  23.  Eunice,  dau.  of  Caleb 
Woolcott. 

Mar.  2.  Solomon,  son  of  Joel 
Jones,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Mar.  16.  Eleanor,  d.  of  Martin 
Kellogg. 

Mar.  30.  Abigail,  d.  of  Eben- 
ezur  Smith,  jr. 

April  20.  John,  s.  of  Oliver  At- 
wood. 

May  4.  Charles,  son  of  Charles 
Churchil,  and  Chester,  son  of 
Stephen  Kellogg. 

July  13.  Elijah,  son  of  Zebulon 
Goodrich. 

Aug.  31.  Mary,  dau.  of  Elijah 
Stoddord. 

Sept.  6.     Seth,  s.  of  David  Lusk. 

Sept.  18.  Dorothy,  d.  of  P^lipha- 
let  Whittle-sey.  At  the  same 
time,  baptized,  Jonathan,  s.  of 
Nathaniel  Kircum. 

Sept.  21.  Rose,  d.  of  Elijah  An- 
drus,  and  Lydia,  d.  of  Peletiah 
Buck,  jr. 


Nov.  2.  Thomas,  son  of  Janna 
Deming. 

Nov.  13.  William,  s.  of  Samuel 
Riciiards. 

Dec.  7.  James,  son  of  Josiah 
Francis,  and  Sarah,  d.  of  James 
Lusk. 

Dec.  14.  Mary,  dau.  of  Joshua 
Belding. 

Dec.  28.  Elizur,  s.  of  Jonathan 
Whaples. 

Jan.  9,  1756.  George,  s.  of  Jo- 
siah Atwood. 

Jan.  25.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Joseph 
Andrus. 

Feb.  22.  Josiah,  son  of  Josiah 
Kiiborn. 

April  4.     Eli,  s-  of  Jos.  Hurlbut. 

April  25.  Joseph,  s  of  Jonathan 
Curtice,  in  the  mother's  right. 

July  18.  Ruth,  d.  of  Noah  Stan- 
ley, and  Elijah,  son  of  John 
Richards. 

Aug.  1.  Rhoda,  d.  of  Capt.  Rob- 
ert Wells. 

Sept.  19.  Leonard,  s.  of  Steph. 
Deming. 

Nov.  7.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Zebulon 
Stoddord. 

Nov.  21.  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Josiah 
Wright,  and  Isaac,  son  of  Joel 
Jones,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Jan.  23,  1757.  Silas,  s.  of  Eph. 
Blin. 

Feb.  6.  David,  s.  of  Mr.  David 
Webster,  Asa,  s.  of  Beli  Blin, 
and  Rhoda,  d.  of  Mary  Hurl- 
but. 

Mar.  20.  David,  s.  of  Benjamin 
Goodrich,  and  Louis,  d.  of  Jas. 
Blin. 

April  3.     Levi,  s.  of  Wm.  Lusk. 

April  10.  Samuel,  s.  of  Charles 
Churchil. 

May  22.  Cloe,  d.  of  Nathaniel 
Kircum. 

June  5.  Lydia,  d.  of  Dan'l  Wil- 
lard. 

Aug.  1.  Cloe,  dau.  of  Peletiah 
Buck,  jr. 


91 


Aug.  14.  Appleton,  s.  of  Phine- 
has  Andrus. 

All":.  28.  Happy,  dau.  of  Louis 
Kilborn. 

Sept.  4.  Jemima,  d.  of  Martin 
Kellogg. 

Oct.  2.  Sarah,  d.  of  Joshua  Bel- 
ding. 

Oct.  9.  Rhoda,  d.  of  Josiah  At- 
wood,  jr. 

Nov.  6.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Thomas 
Wright. 

Nov.  13.  Asa,  s.  of  Josiah  Fran- 
cis. 

Jan.  1, 1758.  Mable,  d.  of  Elijah 
Stoddord. 

Jan.  15.  EHsha,  s.  of  Capt.  Ele- 
phelet  Whittlesey. 

Mar.  5.  Anne,  d.  of  Janna  Dem- 
ing,  and  Sarah,  d.  of  Gamaliel 
Deming. 

Mar.  2Q.  Hannah,  d.  of  Jonathan 
Curtis,  in  the  mother's  right. 

April  9.  Stephen,  s.  of  Stephen 
Kellogg,  per  Mr.  Clark. 

June  18.     Uli,  s.  of  Jos.  Hurlbut. 

Oct.  8.     William,  s.  of  Beli  Blin. 

Oct.  22.  Amos,  s.  of  Amos  Hurl- 
but. 

Dec.  31.  Hannah,  d.  of  Charles 
Churchil. 

Jan.  7,  1759.  Abigail,  d.  of  Jo- 
siah Wright,  per  Mr.  Smalley. 

Feb.  10.  Sarah,  d.  of  Jonathan 
Blin,  and  Abijah,  s.  of  Thomas 
Wright.  200 

Mar.  18.  Samuel,  son  of  Henry 
Kircura,  jr. 

April  15.  Samuel,  s.  of  Samuel 
Buck. 

May  20.  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Wait- 
still  Deming. 

June  3.  Rebecca,  dau.  of  Israel 
Bordman. 

July  8.  Anne,  d.  of  Joshua  Bel- 
ding,  the  2d  of  that  name,  and 
Sylvia,  d.  of  Stephen  Deming, 
his  2d  of  the  same  name. 


July  15.  William,  son  of  Joel 
Jones,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Aug.  19.  Esther,  d.  of  Zebulon 
Stoddord. 

Oct.  21.  Miles,  s.  of  Miles  An- 
drus, in  the  mother's  right. 

Nov.  11.  Anne,  dau.  of  Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Nov.  25.  Sarah,  dau.  of  William 
Andrus,  and  Simon,  s.  of  Tim- 
othy Kilborn. 

Jan.  20,  1760.  Anne,  d.  of  Solo- 
mon Stoddord. 

Mar.  6.     Titus,  s.  of  Jos.  Deming. 

April  13.  Eunice,  dau.  of  Janna 
Deming. 

May  11.  Rhoda,  dau.  of  Josiah 
Atwood,  per  Mr.  Russell. 

May  18.     James,  s.  of  Jas.  Blin. 

May  25.  Simeon,  son  of  Stephen 
Kellogg. 

July  6.  Esther,  dau.  of  Joseph 
Hurlbut. 

July  20.  Nathaniel,  s.  of  Elijah 
Kircum. 

Oct.  5.  Ehzabeth,  d.  of  Elijah 
Stoddord,  per  Mr.  Smally. 

Oct.  12.  Roger,  s.  of  Capt.  Ele- 
phalet  Whittlesey. 

Oct.  26.  Allin,  s.  of  Josiah  Fran- 
cis, and  Hannah,  dau.  of  John 
Russel. 

Nov.  23.  Sarah,  Olive,  and  Ste- 
phen Churchil,  grand  children 
to  Ensign  Sam'l  Churchil,  and 
on  his  and  his  wife's  account, 
and  John,  s.  of  Henry  Kircum, 
jun. 

Dec.  28.  Stephen,  son  of  Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Jan.  25,  1761.  Irene,  d.  of  Miles 
Andrus. 

Feb.  15.    Asa,  s.  of  Thos.  Wright. 

Mar.  1.  Ephraim,  s.  of  Waitstill 
Deming,  and  Jonathan,  son  of 
Bela  Blin. 

April  5.  Joseph,  son  of  Justus 
Woolcutt. 


92 


April  19.  Miles,  s.  of  Jonathan 
Curtis,  in  the  mother's  right. 

May  3.     Isaac,  s.  of  Sam'l  Buck. 

July  19.  Simeon,  "s.  of  Stephen 
Kellogg. 

July  26.  My  seventh  daughter, 
afterwards  called  Martha. 

Sept.  27.  Robert,  s.  of  Robert 
Wells,  jr. 

Oct.  11.  Hannah,  d.  of  Ebenezer 
Dickinson. 

Dec.  2.  Privately,  Orrin,  son  of 
Elijah  Kircum,  being  like  to 
die. 

Jan.  3,  1762.  Louis,  d.  of  John 
Squires,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Jan.  10.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Justus 
Woolcut,  per  Mr.  Smalley. 

Jan.  17.  Ruth,  d.  of  Amos  Hurl- 
but. 

Feb.  28.  Martin,  s.  of  Gamaliel 
Deming. 

Mar.  28.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Martin 
Whittlesey. 

April  18.  Silvia,  d.  of  William 
Andrus. 

May  16.  John,  s.  of  Janna  Dem- 
ing. 

May  23.  Mehitable,  d.  of  Miles 
Andrus. 

Aug.  29.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Jona- 
than Wright. 

Sept.  19.  Anne,  d.  of  Benjamin 
Andrus. 

Oct.  3.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Jonathan 
Blin. 

Dec.  12.  Nancy,  d.  of  Frances 
Deming. 

Jan.  16,  1763.  John,  s.  of  Thos. 
Wright. 

Jan.  30.  Ruth,  d.  of  Joseph  An- 
drus, jr.,  per  Mr.  Smally. 

Mar.  27.     Elisha,  s.  of  Jas.  Blin, 

and  Mary,  d.  of  Wm,  Wells,  jr. 

April  6.     Fast  Day.     Ezekiel,  s. 

of  Waitstill  Deming,  and  Rosil, 

.  s.  of  Hezekiah  Francis. 
April  24.     Prudence,  d.  of  Sam'l 
Woolcut. 


May    1.      Roger,   son   of  Josiah 

Francis. 
June   12.     Martin,  son  of  Amos 

Hurlbut. 
July  3.     Elizabeth,  d.  of  Elijah 

Stoddord,  and  Anne,  d.  of  Jona- 
than Stoddord. 
July  24.     Phinehas,  s.  of  Phine- 

has  Andrus,  and  Justus,  son  of 

Justus  Woolcutt. 
Sept.  11.     Leonard,  s.  of  Stephen 

Deming. 
Oct.  30.     Octavia,  dau.  of  Joshua 

Belding. 
Dec.  25.     Robert,  son  of  Francis 

Deming. 
Jan.  8,    1764.     Abigail,   dau.   of 

Robert  Wells,  jr. 
April  8.     Seth,  s.  of  Bela  Blin. 
April    22.      Luther  Latimer  and 

Levi  Steel. 
May   20.      John,  s.  of   Sherman 

Bordman,  Eunice,  d.  of  Henry 

Kircum,  and   Lavinia,  dau.  of 

William  Wells,  jr. 
May  27.     Cinthia,  d.  of  Stephen 

Kellogg. 
June  3.     Samuel  Johnson,  son  of 

Samuel  Andrus,  in  tlie  mother's 

right. 
July  1.     Clorinda,  dau.  of  Miles 

Andrus. 
Aug.  5.     Solomon,  son  of  Capt. 

Charles  Churchil. 
Aug.  19.     Mary,  d.  of  Jonathan 

Wright,  per  Mr.  Smalley. 
Sept.  9.      Pamela,  d.   of  Joseph 

Aiidrus,  jr.,  and  Mehitable,  d. 

of  P^lias  Hurlbut. 
Sept.  30.     Nabby,  d.  of  Timothy 

Kilborn. 
Oct.  7.    Hezekiah,  s.  of  Hez.  At- 

wood. 
Oct.  21.     Hosea,  s.  of  Hez.  Fran- 
cis. 
Jan.  13,  1765.     Seabury,  dau.  of 

Justus  Woolcutt. 
Jan.  27.      Lorania,  d.  of  Benja- 
min Andrus. 


93 


Feb.  27.  Sylvester,  s.  of  Gama- 
liel Deming;. 

Mar.  17.     Nathan  Wright. 

Mar.  31.     Uni,  s.  of  James  Blin. 

April  14.  Phinehas,  s.  of  Chris- 
topher Hurlbut,  and  Lydia,  d. 
of  Nathan  Wright. 

April  28.  Cloe,  dau.  of  Janna 
Doming,  and  Barzillai,  son  of 
Mary  Welles. 

May  12.  Amos,  s.  of  Abel  An- 
driis. 

May  19.  Frederick,  s.  of  Wait- 
still  Deming. 

June  23.  Michael,  s.  of  Thomas 
Wright. 

July  28.  Seabury,  d.  of  Jonathan 
Stoddord. 

Aug.  '2o.  Hannah,  d.  of  Lemuel 
Whittlesey.  300 

Oct.  20.  Cinthia,  d.  of  William 
Andrus. 

Dec.  1.  Unni,  s.  of  Unni  Rob- 
bins. 

Jan.  19,  1766.  Lucy,  d.  of  Jona- 
than Blin. 

Mar.  2.  Abigail,  dau.  of  Henry 
Kircum. 

Mar.  16,  Absolom,  s.  of  Robert 
Wells,  jr. 

Mar.  30.  Barzillai,  s.  of  Francis 
Deming. 

May  18.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Bela 
Blin. 

June  1.  Rhoda,  dau.  of  Joshua 
Belding. 

July  6.  Rosetia,  dau.  of  John 
Squires,  in  the  moiher's  right. 

July  20.  Christopher,  s.  of  Chris- 
topher Hurlbut. 

Aug.  17.  Elijah,  son  of  Elijah 
Stoddord,  Pliebe,  dau.  of  Miles 
Andrus,  and  Thomas  and  Selah, 
twin  sons  of  Hez.  Francis. 

Sept.  14.  Pvlenor,  dau.  of  Elias 
Hurlbut. 

Sept.  28.  Phinehas,  s.  of  Hez. 
Atwood,  and  Orrin,  s,  of  Eben- 
ezer  Dickinson. 


Oct.  12.  Ruth,  dau.  of  Abel  An- 
drus. 

Oct.  1 9.  Timothy,  son  of  Samuel 
Andrus. 

Nov.  2.  Norman,  son  of  Justus 
Woolcut. 

Dec.  7.  Joseph,  son  of  Joseph 
Andrus,  jr. 

Feb.  1,  1767.  Prudence,  dau.  of 
Unni  Robbins. 

Feb.  2  2.  Enos,  s.  of  Wm.  Welles, 
jun. 

Mar.  22.  Lucretia,  d.  of  Wait- 
still  Deming. 

Mar.  29.  Tbankfull,  d.  of  Benj. 
Andrus. 

April  19.  Joseph,  s.  of  Stephen 
Kellogg,  per  Mr. 

May  10.  Honour,  dau.  of  Janna 
Deming. 

July  26.  Lucina,  d.  of  Gamaliel 
Deming. 

Sept.  6.  Jeny,  dau.  of  Jonathan 
Stoddord,  and  Step.,  Lieut.  Kel- 
logg's    Negro  man. 

Sept.  20  Selah,  s.  of  Dr.  Sam'l 
Richards. 

Nov.  1.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Thomas 
Wright. 

Dec,  13.  Roger,  s.  of  Lemuel 
Whittlesy. 

Dec.  27.  Roger,  s.  of  Levi  Hurl- 
but, 

Mar.  18,  1768.  Gemaliel,  son  of 
Sherman  Bordman,  privately. 

Mar.  27.  Sarah,  twin  d.  of  Sher- 
man Bordman. 

April  3.     My  tenth  child,  Joshua. 

May  8.  Jason,  son  of  Miles  An- 
drus. 

July  17.     Simon,  s.  of  Bela  Blin. 

Aug.  14.  Rosetta,  dau.  of  John 
Squires,  and  Rosetta,  his  wife. 

Sept.  11.  Gideon,  son  of  Chris- 
topher Hurlbut,  and  Whitely 
Hun,  s.  Samuel  Andrus. 

Oct.  2.  John,  s.  of  Elijah  Stod- 
dord. 


94 


Feb.  19.     Rhoda,  d.  of  William 

Andrus. 
April  16.     Silas,  s.  of  Capt.  Chas. 

Churchil,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Josiah 

Francis,  and  Jared,  s.  of  Abel 

Andrus. 
May  7.     Selah,  son  of  Waitstill 

Deming. 
June  4.     Hannah,  dau.  of  Robert 

Welles,  jr. 
June  29.     ,  dau.  of  Jemima 

Hun,  privately. 
Aug.  20.     Mary,  d.  of  Margaret 

Kelly,  alias  Kilb— 
Sept.  10.     Joseph,  s.  of  Francis 

Deming. 
Oct.  1.     Amanda,  d.  of  Hezekiah 

Francis. 
Nov.  5.     Uzziel,  son  of  Luther 

Latimer,  and    Charles,    son   of 

Justus  Woolcutt,  in  the  moth- 
er's right. 
Mar.   11,   1770.     Rhoda,  dau.  of 

Gamaliel  Deming. 
Mar.  25.     Dorothy,  d.  of  Lemuel 

Whittlesey,  and  Frederick,  s.  of 

Asa   Audrus,  on    the  mother's 

account. 
April  15.     Sarah,  dau.  of  Henry 

Kircum,   Benajah,   s.   of   Miles 

Andrus,  and    Martha,    dau.    of 

Elias  Hurlbut. 
April  29.     Anne,  d.  of  Mr.  Jos. 

Camp. 
May   13.     Hannah,  d.  of  David 

Woolcut,  jr.,    in    the    mother's 

right,  and  Gideon,  s.  of  Eunice 

Lusk. 
July  29.     Honor,  d.  of  Jonathan 

Stoddord. 
Aug.  6.     Gad,  s.  of  Janna  Dem- 
ing. 
Oct.  21.     Mary,  dau.  of  Francis 

Deming. 
Oct.  28.     Rhoda,  d.  of  Sherman 

Bordman. 
Dec.    2.      Roger,   son   of  Justus 

Woolcut,  in  the  mother's  right. 
Dec.  5.     An  infant  of  Asa  An- 


drus, privately,  in  the  mother's 
right. 

Dec.  30.  Martin,  s.  of  iTnni  Rob- 
bins. 

Mar.  29,  1771.  Thode,  son  of 
Samuel  Andrus* 

May  19.  William,  s.  of  Christo- 
pher Hurlbut. 

May  26.  Levi,  son  of  Eli  Stod- 
dord, and  John,  s.  of  Jas.  Camp. 

June  16.  John,  s.  of  Jno.  Squires, 
in  the  mother's  right. 

July  21.  Elizabeth,  d.  of  .Tohn 
Kelley,  in  the  mother's  right. 

July  28.  AUin,  son  of  Abel  An- 
drus. 

Aug.  4.  Ebenezur,  s.  of  Ebene- 
zur  Dickinson. 

Sept.  22.  Roger,  s.  of  Waitstill 
Deming,  and  Jerusha,  dau.  of 
Elias  Seymour. 

Oct.  27.  Louis  Latimer.  Rec'd 
to  full  communion. 

Feb.  9,  1772.  Samuel,  s.  of  Bela 
Blin. 

Mar.  29.  Esther,  dau.  of  Luther 
Latimer. 

May  17.  Lydia,  dau.  of  David 
Woolcutt,  jr.,  in  the  mother's 
right. 

May  24.  Lydia,  dau.  of  Thomas 
Wright. 

May  31.  David,  s.  of  Elias  Sey- 
mour. 

June  28.  Lemuel,  s.  of  William 
Andrus,  and  Rachel,  twin  dau. 
of  Elias  Francis ;  his  twin  son, 
Elias,  baptized  privately  June 
2-1,  died  the  25th. 

July  5.  Lemuel,  son  of  Lemuel 
Whittlesey. 

July  26.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Jona- 
than Stoddord,  per  Mr.  Clark. 

Aug.  9.  Adonijah,  son  of  Heze- 
kiah Francis. 

Aug.  16.  Samuel,  son  of  John 
Graham,  and  Lucy,  d.  of  David 
and  Lucy  Lowry. 

Sept.  6.    Samuel,  s.  of  Jas.  Camp. 


95 


Sept.  20.  James,  son  of  James 
Welles. 

Oct.  4.  Levi,  s.  of  Janna  Dem- 
ing. 

Nov.  1.  Ithamer,  son  of  Jesse 
Cliurchil,  and  Lucy,  his  wife. 

Nov.  22.  Levi,  s.  of  Levi  Hurl- 
but.  400 

Dec.  13.  Hannah  Fairchild,  re- 
ceived to  full  communion.  At 
the  same  time,  baptized,  Roxil- 
lana,  d.  of  Eli  Stoddord. 

Jan.  31,1773.  Phebe,  d.  of  Elias 
Hurlbut. 

April  1 1 .  Dorothy,  d.  of  Gama- 
liel Deming. 

^lay  2.  Peorg,  d.  of  Step.,  Negro 
of  Lieut.  Kellogg. 

May  9.  Anne,  d.  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Camp. 

June  13.  Lyman,  s.  of  Waitstill 
Deming,  and  Clara,  d.  of  John 
Graham. 

June  20.  Martin  Blin,  s.  of  Ben- 
ajah  Bordman. 

June  27.  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Levi 
Churchil. 

July  25.  Jemima,  d.  of  Samuel 
Andrus. 

Feb.  6,  1774.     Hannah,  dau.  of 
Abel  Andrus,  and  Elizabeth,  d 
of  David  Woolcutt,  jr. 

Feb.  20.  Hannah,  d.  of  Martin 
Kellogg,  jr. 

April  24.  Nancy,  dau.  of  Elias 
Seymour. 

June  12.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Hez. 
Francis. 

June  26.  Mary,  vpife  of  Joseph 
Stoddord,  and  Dinah,  wife  of 
Enoch  Stoddord,  and  received 
into  the  church,  and  Solomon, 
s.  of  Enoch  Stoddord,  in  the 
mother's  right. 

July  26.  Elizur,  son  of  Elizur 
Deming,  privately,  died  the 
night  after. 

Oct.  2.     Lucy,  d.  of  Jas.  Welles. 

Oct.  23.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Bela 
Blin  of  Canaan. 


Nov.  6.     Abigail,  dau.  of  James 

Camp. 
Dec.  11.     Seth  Hun,  s.  of   Elias 

Francis. 
Jan.  22,  1775.     Seth,  s.  of  Levi 

Hurlbut,  per  Mr.  Marvin. 
April  16.     Cloe,  dau.  of  Asa  An- 
drus, in  the  mother's  right. 
April  30.     Chauncey,  s.  of  Lem'l 

Whittlesey,  and  Abigail,  dau.  of 

Uni  Robbins. 
May  28.     Chester,  son  of  Elijah 

Welles. 
June  18.     Absalom,  son  of  Elias 

Hurlbut,  and  Elishaba,  dau.  of 

Enos  Hun. 
June  25.     Titus,  s.  of  Miles  An- 
drus, and  Mary,  dau.  of  John 

Graham. 
July   23.      Joseph   and    Zebulon, 

sons  of  Joseph  Stoddord.  in  the 

mother's  right,  per  Mr,  Perkins. 
July  30.     Eleanor,  d.  of  Mr.  Jos. 

Camp. 
Aug.  13.     Mary,  d.  of  Eli  Stod- 
dord. 
Sept.  24.     Olive,  d.  of  Jonathan 

Stoddord. 
Dec.  3.     Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Elias 

Seymour. 
Jan.  7,  1776.     David,  s.  of  David 

Woolcutt,  jun. 
Jan.  14.     Lydia,  dau.  of  Lemuel 

Churchil. 
April  22.     D.  of  Luther  Latime*, 

privately,  being  sick. 
June  30.     Mary,  dau.  of  Martin 

Kellogg,  jr. 
Sept.  1.     Cloe,  d.  of  Lydia  Buck. 
Sept.  28.     Hannah,  d.  of  Lemuel 

Hurlbut,  at  the  point  of  death. 
Oct.  20.     Nathaniel  Caily,  son  of 

Jesse  Churchill. 
Nov.  10.     Son  of  Elias  Francis, 

per  Mr.  Sm alley. 
Feb.  16,  1777.     Hezekiah,  s.  of 

Hez.  Francis. 
April  6.     Clary,  d.  of  Jas.  Welles. 
April  27.     James,  son  of  Elizur 

Deming,  per  Mr.  Perkins. 


96 


July  6.  Cloe,  d.  of  Elisha  Stod- 
dord. 

Aujr.  3.  Hannah,  dau.  of  John 
Gijihani. 

Sepr.  7.  Abigail,  d.  of  Jas.  Blin, 
and  Hannah,  d.  of  Lem'l  Hurl- 
but. 

Sept.  14.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Elijah 
Welles,  and  Moses,  s.  of  James 
Camp. 

Nov,  2.  Levi,  s.  of  Levi  Hurl- 
but. 

Dec;.  28.  Ashbel,  son  of  Ashbel 
Seymour. 

Jan.  4,  1778.  Chauncey,  son  of 
Lemuel  Whittlesey. 

Feb.  22.  Hezekiah,  s.  of  Joshua 
Belding. 

May  18.  Leonard  Chester  Hub- 
bard, grandson  of  Steph.  Dera- 
ing,  per  Mr.  iSmiilley. 

Aug.  2.  Adonijah,  son  of  Hez. 
Francis,  and  Sarah,  d.  of  Jos. 
Camp. 

Sept.  13.  Betsy  and  Sally,  ds.  of 
Jedediah  Mills,  and  Sarah,  his 
wife,  in  the  mother's  right,  per 
Mr.  Smalley. 

Dec.  6.  Mary,  dau.  of  David 
Lowry,  and  Austin,  s.  of  James 
Welles. 

Jan.  17,  1779.  Lemuel,  son  of 
Lemuel  Hurlbut,  and  Noble,  s. 
of  Levi  Churchil. 

April  4.  Theode,  s.  of  Elias  Sey- 
mour. 

May  2.  David,  s.  of  Euos  Hun, 
and  Jemima,  d.  of  Martin  Kel- 
logg, jr. 

May  23.  Sarah,  d.  of  John  Gra- 
ham. 

June  6.     Nancy,  d.  of  Jas.  Blin. 

July  18.  Erastus,  son  of  Ashbel 
Seymour. 

Sept.  12.  Jemima,  dau.  of  Elias 
Hurlbut. 

Sept.  19.  Orin,  s.  of  P^benezer 
Dickinson. 

Sept.  26.  Mary,  dau.  of  James 
Camp. 


Oct.  10.  William,  son  of  James 
Mitchell,  in  the  mother's  right, 
and  Juliet,  d.  of  Jedediah  Mills, 
in  the  mother's  right. 

Oct.  17.  Asaph,  son  of  Lemuel 
Whittlesey. 

Oct.  31.  Enos,  s.  of  Elias  Dem- 
ing,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Dec.  ]  7.  Chester,  son  of  Samuel 
Churchil,  privately,  in  the  moth- 
er's right. 

Feb.  13,  1780.  Elisha,  son  of 
Elisha  Stoddord. 

Feb.  27.  Samuel,  s.  of  Benajah 
Bordman. 

May  28.  Hubert,  s.  of  Bernard 
Romans,  in  the  mother's  right. 

July  21.  A  child  of  Justus  Fran- 
cis, privately,  on  profession  and 
promise  of  public  covenant. 

Oct.  1     Alma,  d.  of  Elijah  Welles. 

Oct.  22.  Mary  and  Persis,  ds.  of 
Joseph  Stoddord,  in  the  moth- 
er's right,  and  William,  son  of 
Lemuel  Hurlbut,  and  Tabitha, 
his  wife. 

Dec.  24.  Appleton  Andrus,  s.  of 
Justus  Francis. 

Feb.  25,  1781.  Dolle,  dau.  of 
Amous  Buck. 

April  8.  Beulah,  child  of  James 
Welles 

April  22.  Lydia,  d.  of  Samuel 
Prat,  in  the  mother's  right. 

May  6.  Anne,  d.  of  Elizur  Darn- 
ing. 

May  13.  William,  son  of  Elias 
Deming,  in  the  mother's  right. 

May  20.  Lydia,  d.  of  Abel  An- 
drus, per  Mr.  Perkins. 

May  27.  Rebecca,  dau.  of  Enos 
Hun,  and  Eunice,  dau.  of  Elias 
Seymour. 

June  17.  Wealthy,  dau.  of  John 
Graham. 

July  8.  Joseph,  s.  of  Jos.  Camp, 
and  Candace,  d.  of  Jos.  Stod- 
dord, in  the  mother's  right.    500 

Aug.  5.  Barzillai,  sou  of  Levi 
Hurlbut. 


97 


Aug.  26.  Martin,  son  of  Martin 
Kellogg,  jr. 

Sept.  2.  Stephen,  son  of  James 
Mitchell,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Sept.  16.  Abigail  Belden,  dau.  of 
James  Lusk,  per  Mr.  Smalley, 
in  the  mother's  right. 

Oct.  14.  Amos  Andrus,  son  of 
Amos  Webster,  in  the  mother's 
right. 

Oct.  28.  Mercy,  dau.  of  Lemuel 
Hurlbut. 

Nov.  20.  Clarissa,  dau.  of  Elias 
Andrus,  privately,  in  the  moth- 
er's right. 

April  1 4,  1 782.  Jedediah  Welles, 
son  of  Jedediah  Mills,  in  the 
mother's  right. 

April  21.  Asaph,  s.  of  Lemuel 
Whittlesy,  per  Mr.  Perkins. 

May  5.  Trueman,  s.  of  Hezekiah 
Francis. 

July  4.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Eliza- 
beth, widow  of  James  Camp. 

Sept.  22.  Naomi,  d.  of  William 
Andrus. 

Oct.  20.  Bevil,  son  of  Ashbel 
Seymour,  and  Abigail,  his  wife, 
and  Elizur,  s.  of  Elizur  Dem- 
ing. 

Nov.  24.  Simeon,  son  of  Elisha 
Stoddord. 

Jan.  19,  1783.  Mary  Anne,  d.  of 
Samuel  Churchill,  in  the  moth- 
er's right. 

April  6.  A  child  of  Amos  Buck, 
privately,  b=;ing  sick. 

July  6.  Lydia,  dau.  of  Elijah 
Welles. 

July  27.  Origen,  son  of  James 
Welles. 

Aug.  31.  Prudence,  d.  of  Lem'l 
Hurlbut. 

Oct.  5.  Samuel,  son  of  Samuel 
Pratt,  and  Hannah,  his  wife,  on 
her  account. 
Oct.  26.  George,  William  Nott, 
Elizabeth,  and  Sarah,  children 
of  Geo.  Woolcut,  in  the  moth- 
er's right. 

13 


Nov.  2.  Daniel,  sou  of  Amos 
Webster,  in  the  mother's  right. 
Jan.  10,  1784.  An  infant  of  Elias 
Hurlbut,  privately,  being  like  to 
die. 
Jan.  11.  Rachel,  dau.  of  Elias 
Seymour. 

Feb.  15.  Daniel,  son  of  Daniel 
Willard,  jr. 

Feb.  22.  Daniel,  son  of  James 
Mitchel.  per  Mr.  Fen,  in  the 
mother's  right. 

March  28.  Keturah  Andrus,  d. 
of  Justus  Francis. 

May  9.  Larena,  d.  of  Martin  Kel- 
logg, jr.,  in  the  mother's  right. 

June  20.  James,  son  of  Joseph 
Camp,  and  Joseph,  s.  of  Joseph 
Stoddord,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Oct.  17.  Sylvester,  son  of  Levi 
Hurlbut,  and  Leister-Chaun- 
cey,  son  of  Enos  Hun. 

Oct.  24.  Polly,  d.  of  Unni  Rob- 
bins. 

Feb.  6,  1785.  John  Churchil  and 
Rebecca  Mekins,  children  of 
Benajah  Bordman,  bro't  down 
from  Arlington 

Feb.  20.  Betty,  d.  of  Ephraim 
Paterson. 

Feb.  27.  Harriet,  d.  of  Lemuel 
Hurlbut,  and  Harriet,  dau.  of 
Jedediah  Mills,  in  the  mother's 
right. 

April  3.  John  Atwood,  son  of 
Amos  Buck. 

May  1.  Olive,  d.  of  Capt.  Jona- 
than Stoddord. 

June  12.  John,  son  of  Samuel 
Churchill,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Aug.  21.  Silvester,  s.  of  James 
Lusk,  in  the  mother's  right,  per 
Mr.  Fenn. 

Nov.  6.  Erastus,  son  of  Amos 
Webster,  in  the  mother's  right. 

Jan.  29,  1786.  Martlia,  dau.  of 
Elias  Deming,  on  the  mother's 
account. 

Feb.  19.  Joseph,  son  of  Oswell 
Rockwell,  in  the  mother's  right. 


98 


William,   s.  of  James 
Hannah,  d.  of  Ephraim 


Mar.  5.     Charles  Belden,  son  of 

Levi  Churchill. 
April  16.     Elias,  s.  of  Elias  Sey- 
mour. 
May  21.     Prudence,  d.of  Sam'l 
Pratt,  on  the  mother's  account, 
and  Samuel,  s.  of  Joseph  Stod- 
dord,  in  the  mother's  right. 
June  11.     Samuel,  s.  of  Lemuel 

Hurlbut,  per  Mr.  Fen. 
July  2.      Polly,  Harry  Blin,  and 
Sarah,   3   children   of  Obadiah 
Smith. 
July  30. 
Welles 
Aug.  13. 

Paterson. 
Aug.  27.     Nancy,  dau.  of  Elizur 

Doming. 
Oct.  15.     AUin,  s.  of  Dea.  Elisha 
Stoddord  and  Dorothy,  his  wife. 
Dec.  22.      Mathew,  s.  of  Icliabod 
Patterson,  privately,  being  dan- 
gerously sick. 
Mar.  4,  ]  787.     Asaph,  s.  of  Dan- 
iel Willard,  jr. 
Mar.  11.     Octavia,  twin  dau.  of 

Levi  Churchill. 
May  20.     Alma,  d.  of  Jos.  Camp, 
and  Rachel,  d.  of  Elijah  Welles. 
Sept.  23.     Charles,  son  of  Levi 
Hurlbut,  and  at  the  same  time, 
Thadeus,  s.,  and  Olive  and  Sal- 
ly, ds.,  of  David  Stoddord,  on 
the  mother's  account. 
Oct.  7.     Hezekiah,  son  of  Elias 
Seymour,  and   Chancy,   son  of 
Amos  Buck,  presented  by  the 
mother. 
Nov.  11.     Archibald,  s.  of  Simon 

Welles,  in  the  mother's  right. 
Dec.  9.     Sarah,  dau.  of  Lemuel 

Hurlbut. 
Dec.  30.  Josiah  Belden,  son  of 
Samuel  Churchill,  in  the  moth- 
er's right. 
Jan.  27,  1788.  Martin,  s.  of  Capt 
Roger  Welles,  in  the  mother's 
right,  and  Daniel,  s.  of  Ozwell 
Rockwell,  in  the  mother's  right. 


April  27.     Rachel,  dau.  of  Zadok 

Hindale,  in  the  mother's  right. 
May  8.     Gaylord,  son  of  James 

Welles. 
July  20.     Lydia,  dau.   of   David 

Stoddord,  offered  by  the  mother. 
Aug.  10.     Lucy,  d.  of  Elias  Dem- 

ing,  in  the  mother's  right. 
Sept.  21.     Love,  d.  of  Jas.  Lusk, 

in  the  mother's  right. 
Sept.  28.     Leonard,  son  of  Amos 

Webster,  in  the  mothnr's  right. 
Dec.  14.     Ebenezur,  son  of  Obe- 

diah  Smith. 
April  5,  1789.     Mary,  d.  of   Col. 

Roger  Welles,  in  the  mother's 

right. 
May   3.      Harvy,    son   of  Justus 

Francis. 
Aug.   1(3.     Martin,  s.  of  Lemuel 

Hurlbut,  per  Mr.  Marsh. 
Oct.  25.     Martin,  son  of  Ashbel 

Seymour,  per  Mr.  Fenn. 
Dec.    18.     An    infant   of  Abijah 

Wright,  privately,  on  the  moth- 
er's engagement. 
Feb.  28,  1790.     Fanny,  dau.  of 

Simon  Welles,  in  the  mother's 

right. 
May  9.     Lucy,  Mary,   Billy  and 

John,  children  of  Jno.  Hurlbut, 

in  the  mother's  right,  per  Mr. 

Marsh. 
May  23.     Alma,  dau.  of  Oswell 

Rockwell,  in  the  mother's  right. 
June    6.       Charlotte,    Lucy,    and 

Kate,  ds.  of  Abijah  Wright,  on 

his  wife's  account. 
July  25.     Lucy,  dau.  of  Obediah 

Smith. 
Aug.  1.     Lucy,  d.  of  Jos.  Camp. 
Sept.  26.     Roger,  s.  of  Col.  Roger 

Welles,  in  the  mother's  right. 
Nov.  7.     Allen,  s.  of  John  Hurl- 
but. in  the  mother's  right. 
Nov.  21.     Jedediah,  s.  of  Elias 

Deming.  per  Mr.  Marsh,  in  the 

mother's  right. 
Jan.   16,   1701.      Charles,  son  of 

Levi  Hurlbut,  and  Anson,  s.  of 


99 


Justus  Francis,  per  Mr.  Srnal- 

Feb.  6.     Thankful,  dau.  of  Elias 

Seymour. 
May  8.     Prudence,  d.  of  Martin 

Kellogg,  jr. 
May  22.     Charles,  s.  of  Samuel 

Churchill. 
Nov.  24.     Fanny,  dau.  of  Simon 

Welles. 
Jan.  29,  1792.      Ira,  Hannah  and 

Alva,  child'n  of  Waitstill  Dick- 
inson. 
Feb.  5.     Oliver,  son  of  Ephraim 

Deming. 
Feb.  26.     Honor,  dau.  of  Ashbel 

Seymour,   and   Lydia,   dau.  of 

Amos  Webster. 
June  10.     Justus,  son  of  Ozwell 

Rockwell. 
July  29.     Anne  and  Cinthia,  twin 

ds.  of  Elijah  Welles. 
Aug.  26.      Rhoda,  dau.  of  Daniel 

Willard. 
Sept.  2.     Sophronia,  dau.  of  Dea. 

James  Welles. 
Sept.  23.    Jesse  and  Octavia,  chil- 
dren of  Widow  Mary  Stoddord. 
Sept.  30.     Charles,  son  of  Roger 

Francis. 
Nov.  15.     Privately,  Samuel  and 

Mercy,  twin  children  of  Sam'l 

Churchill,  one   ill,  not  like   to 

live. 
Feb.  3,  1793.     Laura,  d.  of  Eph. 

Deming. 
April  21.     George  Whitfield,  s.  of 

Simon  Welles,  per  Mr.  Smalley. 
May  12.     Esther,  dau.  of   David 

Stoddord. 
July  14.     Charlotte,  dau.  of  Col. 

Welles,  per  Mr.  Fen. 
Aug.  11.     Newman,  s.  of  Justus 

Francis. 
Oct.    6.     Chauncy,   son   of  John 

Hurlbut. 
Mar.  9.     Mable,  d.  of  Amos  A. 

Webster. 
June  1.      Lecta,  dau.  of  Martin 

Kellogg. 


Aug.  31.  Lydia,  dau.  of  Elias 
Deming. 

Sept.  21.  Amzi,  son  of  Roger 
Francis. 

Aug.  19,  1795.  Jerusha,  dau.  of 
Ephraim  Deming. 

Oct.  25.  Mary  At  wood,  adult 
person. 

Nov.  15.  Lucy  and  Susana,  ds. 
of  Roswell  Fox. 

Jan.  11,  1796.  Alfred,  son  of 
Justus  Francis. 

Feb.  15.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Jemima 
Welles,  relict  of  Gen.  Roger 
Welles ;    posthumous  child. 

May  22.  Cloe,  dau.  of  Amos  A. 
Webster,  and  Mary,  d.  of  Ros- 
well Fox,  presented  by  his  wife. 

July  10.  Charlotte,  d.  of  Sam'l 
Churchill,  and  Robert,  son  of 
Ozwell  Rockwell,  per  Mr.  Fen. 

Nov.  13.  Florella,  d.  of  Josiah 
Griswold. 

May  7,  1797.  Hiram,  s.  of  John 
Hurlbut. 

May  7.  Eleazur  and  Mary,  s.  and 
d.  of  Lem'l  Holmes,  privately, 
the  mother,  in  whose  right  they 
were  baptized,  not  able  to  pre- 
sent them  publicly. 

June  4.  Mary,  dau.  of  Ephraim 
Deming. 

June  11.  Lydia,  Levi,  and  Hor- 
ace, children  of  Levi  Welles, 
and  Hannah,  his  wife. 

July  30.  Sally,  Lucy,  Erastus, 
and  Polly,  children  of  Jonathan 
Blin,  in  the  mother's  right,  per 
Mr.  Smalley. 

Nov.  4.  Privately,  Betsy,  dau. 
of  Roger  Francis ;  died  a  few 
hours  after. 

Mar.  4,  1798.  Cyrus,  son  of 
Justus  Francis. 

May  27.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Levi 
Welles,  per  Mr.  Smalley. 

June  3.  Hannah,  d.  of  Samuel 
ChurchiU. 

Sept.  23.  A  child  of  Roswell 
Fox,  per  Mr.  Perkins. 


100 


Nov.  29.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Jona- 
than Blin. 

May  19,  1799.  Nathan,  son  of 
Oswell  Rockwell. 

Oct.  6.  Cyrus,  son  of  Amos  A. 
Webster. 

Jan.  5,  1800.  Silas,  Caroline, 
Benjamin,  Hannah,  Sophia,  and 
Mary,  children  of  Levi  Chur- 
chill. 600 

Jan.  31.  Mary,  dau.  of  Michael 
Wright,  privately,  dangerously 
ill. 

Mar.  15.  Laura,  dau.  of  Justus 
Francis. 

April  11.  Salome,  dau.  of  Lucy 
Gaylord. 

June  8.  Cinthia  and  Thomas, 
child'n  of  Michael  Wright,  and 
Silvia,  his  wife. 

June  15.  Fanny,  d.  of  Josiah 
Griswold. 

Mar.  1,  1801.  Lemuel  Whittlesy, 
son  of  Joshua  Belden,  jr.,  and 
Dorothy,  his  wife. 

June  28.  Sarah,  Rachel,  Mary 
Goodrich,  and  Smith,  children 
of  Frances  Coslet. 

July  26.  Lucy,  dau.  of  Samuel 
Churchill. 


Oct.  11.     Joseph,  son  of  Dr.  Jos. 

Linde,  and  Martha,  his  wife  and 

my  daughter,  of  Hartford. 
Dec.  20.      Oledine  Andrus,  rec'd 

into  the  church. 
Aug.   1,  1802.     Thomas,   son  of 

Michael  Wright. 
Aus.  8.     Sabra,  dau.  of  Jonathan 

Blin. 
Aug.   '22.     Robert,  son  of  Josiah 

Griswold. 
Feb.   27,  1803.     Erastus,  son  of 

Justus  Francis. 
July    31.      Mary,     Cinthia,    and 

Samuel  Smith,  child'n  of  Roger 

Hurlbut. 
Dec.  10.     Privately,  the  first  child 

of  Aslibel  Seymour,  jr.,  it  be- 
ing dangerously  sick,   per  Mr. 

Cleaveland. 
Nov.  25,   1804.     Chancy,  son  of 

Jo>hua  Belden,  jr. 


From  Nov.  11,  1747,  to  Jan. 
16,  1805: 

Baptisms,  .  .  .  622 
Admissions  to  Communion,  1 69 
Deaths,  .  .  .443 
Marriages,         .         .  326 


III. 

Baptismal  Covenant  Acknowlkdged. 

Nov.  22,  1747.     Stephen  Deming  owned  the  covenant. 
Dec.  6.     Benijah  Andrus  "  " 

"  13.     Elisha  Warren,  with  his  wife  and  Israel  Bordman,  owned 

the  covenant. 
Jan.   31,    1747-8.     Solomon    Deming,  with   his   wife,    owned    the 

covenant. 
Feb.  14.     Josiah  Francis,  with  his  wife,  and  Jonathan  Churchil,  with 

his  wife,  and  Lydia  Francis,  owned  the  covenant. 
July  24.     Sarah  Kircum  "  '* 

Nov.  27.     Mary,  the  wife  of  Moses  Barnes,  owned  the  covenant 
Dec.  18.     Charles  Churchill  and  widow  Hannah  Whaples  owned  the 

covenant. 


101 

Feb.  7,  1750.     Ann,  the  wife  of  Samuel  Steel,  owned  the  covenant. 

*'     7.     Mary  Smith  and  Mary  Goodrich  "  " 

Dec.  1 6.     Stephen  Kellojrg  and  his  wife  *'  " 

March    24,    1751.     Anne,   the    wife  of  Janna  Deming,  owned  the 

covenant. 
April  14.     Ebenezur  Smith,  jun.,  with  his  wife  and  Pelatiah  Buck, 

owned  the  covenant.    * 
May  26.     Joseph  Crowfoot  owned  the  covenant  at  Kensington. 
Sept.  22.     John  Peirce  owned  the  covenant. 

Feb.  2,  1752.     Mary,  the  wife  of  John  Peirce,  owned  the  covenant. 
Aug.  2.     Gamaliel  Deming  and  his  wife  ''  " 

March  4,  1753.     Elijah  Stoddord  and  his  wife      "  ''• 

Oct.  14.     Elijah  Kircum  «  " 

Jan.  27,  1754.     Gideon  Griswould  "  " 

May  5.     Jonathan  "Whaples  and  his  wife  "  " 

Sept.  15.     Elias  Hart  and  his  wife  owned  the  covenant  at  N.  Britain. 
May  18,  1755.     Sarah  Kellogg  owned  the  covenant. 

"    25.     Jemima  Lamb  "  " 

July  6.     Cloe  Rylie  "  " 

July  27.     Elijah  Smith  and  Jacob  Brandigee  owned  the  covenant  at 

N.  Britain. 
At  the  same  time  and   place,  William  Horton  entered  into  covenant 

and  was  baptized. 
Aug.    3.     Nathaniel    Kircum   and    Rosetta,   his    wife,   owned    the 

covenant. 
Aug.  17.     David  Lusk  and  Prudencp,  his  wife,  owned  the  covenant. 
Sept.  14.     Appleton  Burnham  and  his  wife,  and  John  Coleman  and 

his  wife,  owned  the  covenant  at  Kensington. 
Oct.  19.     James  Lusk  and  Sarah,  his  wife,  owned  the  covenant. 
Dec.  7.     Josiah  Kilborn  and  his  wife  "  " 

April  25,  1756.     Sarah  Welles  "  " 

May  2.     Lydia  Deming  "  " 

Jan.  30,  1757.     Beli  Blin  and  his   wife,  and  Mary  Hurlbut  owned 

the  covenant. 
Feb.  13.     James  Blin  and  his  wife  owned  the  covenant. 
April  10.     Hannah  Deming  "  ** 

July  24.     Thomas  Wright  and  his  wife  "  " 

Jan.  15,  1758.     Josiah  WiUard  "  « 

March  12.     Elisha  Stoddord  "  " 

April  16.     Mary  Wells  and  Seabury  Andrus  owned  the  covenant. 

"     23.     Rebecca  and  Jemima  Hun  "  " 

May  14.     Theode  Seymour  "  " 

"     21.     Jonathan   Wright   and    Jonathan    Stoddord    owned    the 
covenant. 

"     28.     Sarah  Deming  and  Mary  Camp  owned  the  covenant. 
June  4.     Ginea,  negro,  owned  his  baptismal  covenant. 
Dec.  24.     Sarah    the   wife    of  Amos  Hurlbut,   Sarah,   the    wife   of 

Jonathan  Blin,  and  Mary  Whaples  owned  the  covenant. 
Feb.    25,  1759.     Henry   ffircum,  jr.,    and  his  wife  owned  the  cov- 
enant. 


102 

April  29,     Waitstill  Deming  and  his  wife  owned  the  covenant. 
June  17.     Silence  Wright  "  « 

July  15.     Mary  Seymour  and  Mercy  Stoddord  owned  the  covenant. 
Aug.   12.     Rebecca  Stoddord  ^  "  " 

Oct.  21.     Phebe,  wife  of  Miles  Andrus,  "  « 

Dec.  9.     John  Russell  and  his  wife  "  " 

Jan.  20,  17tiO.     Solomon  Stoddord  *  " 

April  6.     Margaret  Kilborn  .^  "  " 

May  25.     Miles  Andrus  "  " 

Aug.  3.     Robert  Wells,  jr.,  and  his  wife  "  " 

March  29,  1761.     Justus  Woolcut  and  his  wife  "  " 

Feb.  28,  1762.     Martin  Whittlesy  "  " 

July   18.     Benjamin  Andrus  and  his  wife  "  " 

Nov.  21,     Francis  Deming  "  " 

Jan.  9,  1763.     Joseph  Andrus,  jr.,  and  Asenath  (?)  his  wife  owned 

the  covenant. 
March  13.     William  Wells,  jr,  owned  the  covenant. 

"      20.     Hez.  Francis  and  his  wife  "  " 

April  10.     Samuel  Woolcut  and  his  wife  "  " 

April  8,  1764.     Sherman  Bordman  and  his  wife      "  " 

"     22.     Luther  Latimer  and  Levi  Steel  entered  into  covenant  and 

were  baptized. 
June  3.     Mary  the  wife  of  Sam'l  Andrus,         '*  " 

Aug.  26.     Hez.  Atwood  *'  " 

Sept.  9.     Elias  Hurlbut  and  Patience,  his  wife  "  " 

March  .31,  1765.     Christopher   Hurlbut  and  Mary,  his  wife,  owned 

the  covenant. 
April  28.     Mary  Andrus,  Elias  Wells  owned  the  covenant. 

May  12.     Abel  Andrus  and  his  wife  "  " 

Aug.  25.  Lemuel  Whittlesy  and  his  wife  "  '' 

Nov.  17.  Unni  Robbing  and  his  wife  "  " 

Sept.  28,  1766.     Sam'l  Andrus  «  « 

Dec.  27,  1767,     Levi  Hurlbut  and  his  wife  "  " 

May  8,  1768,     Levi  Andrus  "  " 

July  24,     John  Squire  "  " 

Feb.  4,  1770.     Cloe,  wife  of  Asa  Andrus  "  *' 

April  15.     Mr.  Joseph  Camp  and  his  wife  "  " 

May  19,  1771.     James  Camp  and  his  wife  "  " 

Some  time  in  the  winter  past  Eli  Stoddord  and  his  wife  owned  the 

covenant. 
Sept,  8.     Ellas  Seymour  and  his  wife  owned  the  covenant. 
Oct.  27.     Louis  Latimer  entered  into  covenant  and  was  baptized. 
April  12,  1772.     Levi  Churchill  and  his  wife  owned  the  covenant. 
July  19.     John  Graham  and  his  wife  "  " 

At  the  same  time  David  Lowry  and  his  wife  "  " 

March  21,  1773.    Benajah  Bordman  and  his  wife   "  " 

Jan,  9,  1774.     Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  "  " 

May  22.     Elizur  Deming  and  his  wife  "  " 

Feb.  5,  1775.     Enos  Hunn  and  his  wife  "  " 


103 

IV. 

Chdkch  Votks  and  Proceedings.* 

At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church  in  Newington, 
March  31,  1757: 

Whereas,  through  the  prevalence  of  corruption  and  the  abounding  of 
iniquity  in  this  evil  day,  many  scandals  are  committed  by  such  as  are 
under  the  bond  of  the  covenant  and  ought  to  be  watched  over  by  the 
church,  too  many  of  which,  by  the  neglect  of  a  proper  brotherly  dealing, 
according  to  the  rules  of  God's  word,  pass  without  due  notice  being  taken 
of  them,  Therefore,  {'or  the  more  eifectual  preventing  or  remedying  such 
evils,  and  towards  the  revival  of  a  more  strict  and  regular  discipline  in 
this  church,  it  is  agreed  and  voted  hy  this  church,  That  Samuel  Churchill, 
Peletiah  Buck,  and  David  Webster  be  added  to  the  standing  committee 
heretofore  chosen,  to  advise  with  and  assist  the  pastor  in  cases  of  difficulty 
which  may  arise,  and  particularly,  to  look  into  the  propriety  and  regular- 
ity of  any  charge  offered  to  be  laid  before  the  church,  and  prepare  matters, 
if  need  be,  lor  their  hearing ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  further 
desired  and  empowered  to  take  notice  of  and  deal  with  any  members  of 
the  church  who,  by  common  report,  are  guilty  of  scandal, — when  private 
brethren,  who  are  knowing  to  the  scandal,  neglect  their  duty  of  attending 
the  rules  of  the  gospel, — and  to  endeavor  to  heal  and  remove  public  scan- 
dal, or  if  they  see  it  necessary,  to  bring  them  to  a  regular  public  hearing 
before  the  church. 

Aho  voted,  That  if  any  member  of  this  church,  who  is  knowing  to  any 
scandal  committed  by  another  member,  and  shall  spread  it  abroad  or 
make  it  public,  without  first  taking  the  steps  of  dealing  with  an  offending 
brother,  prescribed  Math.  18,  15,  &c.,  shall  be  accounted  an  offender,  and 
upon  conviction  thereof  shall  make  gospel  satislaction,  or  otherwise  be 
dealt  with  as  in  other  cases  of  scandal. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church  in  Newington, 
July  2,  1761,  the  question  was  put, — Whether  this  church  would  now  pro- 
ceed to  make  choice  of  a  deacon,  to  supply  the  place  of  Deacon  John 
Deming,  late  deceased.  Voted  in  the  affirmative,  Whereupon  John  Camp 
was  chosen  to  the  office  of  a  deacon,  and  accepted  it. 

At  the  same  meeting,  Deacon  John  Camp  was  appointed  one  of  the 
standing  church  committee. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church  in  Newington, 
October  29,  1761,  The  church  proceeded  to  make  choice  of  Joseph 
Andrus  to  be  one  of  the  standing  church  committee,  in  place  of  Mr. 
Josiah  Deming,  lately  rem(jved  by  death. 

January  4,  1770,  At  a  church  meeting,  &c..  Voted,  That  William  Welles, 
Joseph  Hurlbut,  and  Dr.  Samuel  Richards  be  added  to  the  standing 
church  committee,  to  fill  up  the  vacancies  made  by  death  or  removal. 

Sometime  in  the  year  1775  : 

At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church  in  Newington, 
On  motion  of  the  pastor,  the  brethren  of  this  church  manifested  their 
opinion  that  the  practice  of  this,  and  of  many  other  churches  in  New  Eng- 

*  Six  leaves  of  the  records  are  cut  out  of  the  book  as  originally  written,  which 
is  explained  as  follows  : 

"  N.  J3. — The  leaves  cut  out  in  the  preceding  part,  contained  minutes  of  trans- 
actions, in  way  of  discipline,  of  some  disorderly  members  of  the  churcli,  who  are 
long  since  dead,  and  for  obvious  reasons,  especially  respecting  their  descendants, 
it  was  thought  best  (they)  should  he  buried  in  oblivion  till  the  day  of  the  final  ac- 
count, when  God  will  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with  every  secret  thing, 
whether  good  or  evil.    Except  the  following  votes  of  the  church." 


104 

land,  called  the  "half-way  covenant,"  i.  e.,  admitting^  persons  to  own  the 
covenant  and  to  have  their  children  baptized,  while  yet  they  absented 
from  the  Lord's  table,  was  unwarrantable,  not  authorised  by  any  scrip- 
tural precept  or  example,  and  therefore  consented  and  a<;reed  that  said 
practice  should,  for  the  future,  be  discontinued  and  laid  aside  in  this 
church. 

Attest,  Joshua  Belden,  Pastor. 

The  above  vote  having  been  lost,  yet  being  well  remembered  by  the 
pastor,  is  now  inserted  among  the  church  records.* 

J.  Belden. 

May  2,  17  76.     At  a  church  meeting,  &c. 

Voted,  This  church  taking  into  consideration  the  usual  practice  of 
persons  owning  the  covenant  and  enjoying  some  privileges  in  the  church, 
and  afterwards  renewing  the  covenant  again  when  they  would  come  into 
full  counnunion  with  the  church,  and  that  this  practice  is  misconstrued  by 
some  as  if  there  were  two  convenants,  one  not  so  strict  and  solemn  as  the 
other.     To  prevent  such  mistakes. 

Voted,  That  this  church  are  of  opinion.  That  the  public  renewing  the 
covenant  is  not  to  be  held  a  necessary  service  of  full  communion  for  those 
persons,  who  have  once  understandingly  given  their  public  and  personal 
consent  to  the  covenant,  but  that  such  persons,  leading  regular  lives,  if 
they  desire  it  (and  if  their  desire  being  publicly  notified,  no  objection  be 
made,)  may  be  admitted  without  being  required  publicly  to  renew  the 
covenant  again.  Although  we  look  upon  the  public  renewing  the  coven- 
ant when  persons  come  into  ftdl  communion,  even  for  those  who  have 
owned  the  covenant  before,  as  a  thing  lawful  and  ])roper  in  itself,  and 
what  may  be  advantageous  and  to  edification  and  ordinarily  expedient  to 
be  done,  yet  as  the  usual  practice  has  been,  it  is  liable  to  misconstruction, 
and  may  lead  the  ignorant  and  inattentive  into  mistakes,  it  is  not  to  be 
esteeuied  absolutely  necessary,  but  may  be  dispensed  with,  when  declined 
on  this  account. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church  in  Newington, 
August  14,  1 782  : 

The  question  being  put  whether  this  church  will  make  choice  of  a 
deacon  to  supply  the  place  of  Dea.  John  Camp,  late  deceased,  Voted  in  the 
affirmative,  Whereupon  Elisha  Stoddord  was  chosen  to  the  office  of  a 
deacon,  and  accepted. 

At  the  same  meeting  Dea.  Elisha  Stoddord  was  appointed  to  be  one  of 
the  standinir  church  committee. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  I)rethren  of  the  church  in  Newington, 
August  17,  1786,  The  question  was  put  whether  the  church  will  proceed 
to  choose  a  deacon  to  succeed  Deacon  Andrus,  late  deceased.  Voted  in 
the  affirmative,  but  upon  trial  no  choice-  was  made,  and  several  members 
being  absent  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  31st  day  of  instant  August. 

August  31,  1786,  The  church  met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
Charles  Churchill,  Esq.,  was  chosen  to  the  office  of  a  deacon. 

May  31,  1787,  At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church  in 
Newington,  Voted,  That  the  deacons  of  this  church,  for  the  time  lieing,  be 
appointed  to  receive  and  improve  a  legacy  given  to  this  church  by  the 
last  will  and  testament  of  deacon  John  Deming  for  (he  lasting  use  and 
benefit  of  the  church,  agreeable  to  the  design  of  said  vvill.f 

*  This  vote  is  inserted  in  Dr.  Brace's  church  records  under  date  of  March, 
1806. 

t  Dea.  John  Deming,  in  his  last  will  and  testament,  aftor  giving  a  legacy  to 
"  Catherine,  my  heloved  wife,  during  the  time  of  lier  remaining  my  widow," 
makes  one  other  legacy,  as  follows  : 

"  Item.     I  give  to  my  son,  Jedediah  Deming,  all  the  remaining  part  of  my 


105 

Also  voted,  5s.  out  of  the  church  treasury  to  Deacon  Elisha  Stoddord, 
for  a  box,  to  secure  the  vessels  for  the  communion  table  in. 

August  5,  1 790.  At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church, 
Capt.  James  Wells  was  chosen  to  the  office  of  a  deacon  in  the  church  (to 
succeed  Deacon  Stoddord)  and  accepted  it. 

Feb.  24,  1803.  At  a  meeting  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  of  the  church, 
by  adjournment  from  instant  Feb.  1 7,  Daniel  Willard  was  chosen  to  the 
office  of  a  deacon  in  this  church,  to  succeed  Deacon  Churchill,  late 
deceased,  and  accepted  the  office. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  church  of  Christ  in  Newington,  December  19,  1804, 
the  following  vote  was  passed  by  the  brethren  of  the  church,  viz  : 

Whereas  the  aged  pastor  of  this  church,  through  age  and  infirmities, 
being  rendered  unable  to  perform  the  public  labors  of  the  ministry,  and 
has  for  some  time  desisted  therefrom,  desiring  another  pastor  may  be 
sought  to  supply  his  lack  of  service,  accordingly,  after  trial,  with  his  appro- 
bation and  in  concurrence  with  the  voice  of  the  society,  we  make  choice  of 
and  do  now  call  and  invite  Mr.  Joab  Brace  to  take  the  pastoral  charge  of 
this  church  and  society,  and  settle  in  the  gospel  ministry  with  us.  Unani- 
mously voted  in  church  meeting. 

Test,  Joshua  Beldex,  Pastor. 

At  the  same  meeting.  Voted,  That  the  deacons  James  Wells  and  Daniel 
Willard,  and  Joshua  Belden,  jun.,  be  a  committee  to  act  in  concurrence 
with  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Society,  in  all  matters  thnt  may  be 
found  necessary  to  effect  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Joab  Brace,  among  us  in 
the  ministry  of  the  gospel.  Test,  J.  B. 

Mr.  Joab  Brace's  answer  to  the  Church. 

The  church  of  Christ,  in  Newington,  having  invited  me  to  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  said  church,  this  is,  therefore,  in  reliance  on  Divine  aid,  to 
signify  my  acceptance  of  their  invitation. 

Newington,  December  26th,  1804. 

Joab  Brace. 

estate,  both  real  and  personal,  that  I  have  not  already  disposed  of  in  this  instru- 
ment, after  my  just  debts  are  paid,  with  this  only  reserve,  that  in  case  he,  the 
said  Jedediah,  die  childless  or  without  any  heir  bejjotten  of  his  own  body,  then 
I  will  twenty  pounds,  lawful  money,  to  the  church  of  Christ,  in  Newington,  to  be 
improved  for  the  lasting  nse  and  benefit  of  said  church." 

Executed  March  31,  1761. 

"  N.  B.  Tliat  by  the  church  of  Christ,  mentioned  in  the  last  legacy  of  the 
foreiroing  testament,  is  to  be  understood  a  church  in  the  parish  of  Newington,  in 
Wethersfield,  regulated  according  to  the  Religious  Constitution  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut,  owned  and  establislied  by  the  authority  of  the  same.  This  explan- 
ation made  before  signing." 

Dr.  Brace,  in  his  church  records,  has  the  following  entry  in  relation  to  this 
legacy,  "  How  the  church  fund  was  directed  from  1761  to  1787,  I  do  not  find. 
(Probably  it  was  not  received  till  1787.  R.  VV.)  The  fund  itself  consisted  of 
two  ten  pound  notes.  The  interest  has  not  been  quite  sufficient  to  defray  the 
expense  of  the  communion  table.  In  1805  there  was  a  contribution  to 
supply  the  deficiency  of  several  years.  In  1814  there  was  a  contribution 
for  the  same  purpose.  In  1818  there  was  a  contribution.  In  1819,  Jan- 
uary 1,  Deacon  Origen  Wells  began  to  furnish  the  table,  and  after  21  years 
called  for  a  contribution  to  supply  the  deficiency,  about  SIO  in  the  whole 
21  years.  Sabbath,  Jan.  5,  1840,  the  church  contributed  about  $16  to  repay 
Dea.  Wells,  and  to  furnish  an  advance  for  several  years.  The  whole  fund  is  now 
in  the  hands  of  Dea.  Origen  Wells,  $66.66.6  for  which  Dea.  Wells  is  accountable, 
and  for  which  he  pays  the  interest  yearly.  March  17,  1846."  Dea.  Wells 
resigned  Nov.  29,  1849,  on  account  of  the  loss  of  sight,  when  Jeremiah  Seymour 
was  chosen  deacon  in  bis  place.  This  fund  still  remains  in  the  hands  of  the 
deacons  of  the  church. 

14 


106 


V. 


Marriages. 


Nov.  19,  1747.  Was  married 
Charles  Churchill  and  Lydia 
Belding. 

Dec.  3.  At  evening,  Joseph  Cur- 
tis and  Mary  Kilborn. 

March  10,1748.  At  evening  Phin- 
ehas  Cole  and  Martha  Hurlbut. 

April  28.  Mr.  Josiah  Jones  and 
Sarah  Whittlesy. 

June  16.  John  Steel  and  Lydia 
Francis. 

Sept.  7.  Joseph  Clark  and  Sarah 
Curtis. 

The  same  evening,  Moses  Barnes 
and  Mary  Woolcott. 

Oct.  6.  Jonathan  Griswould  and 
Experience  Warren. 

May  4,  1749.  Samuel  Steel  and 
Honor  Doming. 

June  15.  Timothy  Andrus  and 
Sarah  Hurlbut. 

July  16.  Thomas  Clap  and  Eu- 
nice Wells. 

Nov.  14.  Samuel  Steel  and  Anne 
Francis. 

June  14,  1750.  Janna  Deming 
and  Anne  Kilborn. 

June  20.  Mr.  David  Webster 
and  Lydia  Andrus. 

Sept.  12.  Mr.  —  Lothrop  and 
Cloe  Backus. 

Oct.  18.  Ebenezer  Smith,  jr., 
and  Mehitable  Buck. 

Nov.  26.  John  Frany  and  Abi- 
gail Stoddord. 

April  4,  1751.  Capt.  Sam'l  But- 
ler and  Naomi  Kilborn. 

April  18.  John  Peirce  and  Mary 
Patterson. 

June  13.  William  Lusk  and 
Hannah  Arnold. 

July  18.  Gemaliel  Deming  and 
Rebecca  Kellogg.  | 

Aug.  16.  Timothy  Kilborn  andj 
Prudence  Deming.  | 


Oct.  10.  Daniel  Kilborn  and 
Mary  Cushing  alias  Steve — . 

Nov.  7.  David  Sage  and  Louis 
Harris. 

Nov.  20.  Dan  Bradly  and  Sarah 
Judd. 

Nov.  28.  Edward  Patterson  and 
Elizabeth  Hills. 

Dec.  5.  Elisha  Booth  and  Es- 
ther Hollister. 

April  9,  1752.  Darius  Stevens 
and  Louis  Whaples. 

Oct.  26.  TimothyMix  and  Eliza- 
beth Headsdill. 

Nov.  9.  David  Williams  and  Anne 
Deming. 

Dec.  5.  Elijah  Stoddord  and 
Mable  Gillett. 

Jan.  11,  1753.  John  Kellogg  and 
Union  Stoddord. 

May  29.  David  Lusk  and  Pru- 
dence Hurlbut. 

Oct.  11.  Jacob  Brandigat  and 
Abigail  Dunnum. 

Oct.  17.  Elias  Hart  and  Hope 
Whaples. 

Dec.  30,  1754.  James  Lusk  and 
Sarah  Paterson. 

Feb.  12,  1755.  David  Dewey  and 
Esther  Dunnum. 

March  20.  Job  Hart  and  Eunice 
Beckley. 

March  27.  At  evening,  Jonathan 
Curtis  and  wid.  H.  Whaples. 

April  20.  At  evening,  Nathaniel 
Kircum  and  Rosetta  Blin. 

July  21.  At  evening,  Isaac  Prat 
and  Mary  Beckly. 

Aug.  11,  1756.  Mr.  Josiah  De- 
nying and  Experience  Smith. 

Dec.  14.  Eli.sha  Baxter  and 
Honor  Woolcut. 

Dec.  16.  Beli  Blin  and  Hannah 
Hurlbut. 


107 


Dec.    31.     Thomas    Wright    and 

Esther  Andrus. 
Feb.    4,    1757.     Uriah    Goodwin 

and  Mable  Francis. 
March    3.      Amos    Hurlbut  and 

Sarah  Hills. 
April  5.     Eli?ha  Wells  and  Lydia 

Darning. 
June  3.     Noah  Fuller  and  Ellis 

Brown. 
July    1.     Solomon  Stoddord  and 

Ann  Andrus. 
Oct.    13.     Elizur    Hollister    and 

Mary  Belding. 
Nov.   17.      Peter    Burnham   and 

Hannah  Deming. 
May   12,  1758.     Ephraim  Wool- 
cut  and  Mary  Kellogg. 
June   14.     Thomas   Francis   and 

Sarah  Smith. 
Sept.  1.     Waitstill    Deming  and 

Hannah  Lusk. 
Oct.  3] .     Henry  Kircum,  jr.,  and 

Eunice  Butler. 
Nov.    17.      Timothy    Wads  worth 

and  Happy  Kilborn. 
Dec.    28.      Jonathan   Gillett   and 

Elizabeth  Steel. 
Jan.  4,  1759.     Stephen  De  Wolf 

and  Mary  Whaples. 
March  15.     William  Andrus  and 

wid.  Louis  Stephens. 
March  22.     My  brother  Jonathan 

Belding  and  Sarah  Belding. 
Aug.  3 1 .     Samuel   Woolcutt  and 

Sarah  Bordman. 
Jan.  24, 1760.     Robert  Wells  and 

Abigail  Hurlbut. 
March  24.     Justus  Woolcutt  and 

Rachel  Bidwell. 
April  17.     Jonathan  Wright  and 

Mary  Wells. 
Aug.  18.     Josiah  Wright,  jr.,  and 

Hope  Hart. 
Aug.  28.     Jonathan  Stoddord  and 

Seabury  Andrus. 
Oct.  9.     Quash,  negro,  and  Tabi- 

tha  Willoughby,  negro. 
Oct.  30.     Benjamin  Andrus  and 

Anne  Churchil. 


Nov.  27.  Martin  Whittlesey  and 
Sarah  Deming. 

March  22,  1762.  William  An- 
drus, jr.,  and  Silence  Wright. 

May  20.  Sam'l  Woolcut,  jr.,  and 
Prudence  Robbins. 

Julv  13.  Francis  Deming  and 
Mary  Camp. 

Oct.  7.  Hez.  Francis  and  Debo- 
rah Blin. 

Nov.  25,  1762.  William  Wells, 
jr.,  and  Rebecca  Stoddord. 

April  28,  1763.  Hez.  Atwood 
and  wid.  Abigail  Stoddord. 

June  15.  H^nry  Kircum  and 
Mary  Hurlbut. 

Sept.  5.  Nathan  Wright  and 
Lydia  Wright. 

Jan.  25,  1764.  Joseph  Churchil 
and  Elizabeth  Andrus. 

April  4.  Elias  Hurlbut  and  Pa- 
tience Blin. 

April  1 2.  Levi  Warner  and  Ros- 
annah  Woolcutt. 

May  23.  Jabesh  Ryly  and  Han- 
nah Goodrich,  of  Stepney. 

July  26.  Fitch  Andrus  and  Mary 
Wells. 

Aug.  23.  Phinehas  Griswould  and 
Louis  Hurlbut. 

Oct.  23.  John  Tucker  and  Abi- 
gail Dickinson. 

Nov.  23.  Giles  Deming  and 
Hannah  Wright,  of  Stepney. 

Nov.  15.  Leonard  Whittlesey  and 
Hannah  Welles. 

Dec.  2.  Abel  Andrus  and  Eu- 
nince  Stoddord. 

Feb.  14,  1765.  Unni  Robbins 
and  Mary  Kellogg. 

May  23.  Amos  Lee  and  Anne 
Camp. 

Dec.  12.  David  Deming  and 
Dorcas  Beckly,  Kensington. 

March  10,  1766.  Amos  Hurlbut 
and  Sarah  Latimer. 

March  25.  Simeon  Wright  and 
Anne  Whaples. 

April  6.  Nathaniel  Coply  and 
Mary  Treat. 


108 


Aug.  25.  Ebenezer  Goodrich 
and  Abigail  Collier. 

Dec.  18.  Charles  Morgan  and 
Mehitable  Seymour. 

April  6,  1767.  Luther  Latimer 
and  Dorothy  Smith. 

June  1.  Levi  Hurlbut  and  Mar- 
tha Hurlbut. 

March  16,  1768.  Asa  Andrus 
and  Cloe  Andrus. 

March  24.  Abel  Fuller  and 
Hannah  Rhodes,  Wd.* 

April  21.  John  Graham  and 
Hannah  Hun. 

June  23.  Joseph  Stoddord  and 
Mary  Fuller. 

Nov.  24.  Abraham  Harris  and 
Ruth  Beckly,  wid.,  Kensing- 
ton. 

Dec.  5.  Mr.  Joseph  Camp  and 
Anne  Kellogg. 

Jan.  9,  1769.  Elias  Seymour  and 
Elizabeth  Woolcutt. 

June  7.  Enock  Stoddord  and 
Dinah  Fuller. 

Nov.  2.  —  Sage  and  Patience 
Dickinson,  of  Kensington. 

Nov.  29.  Jesse  Churchill  and 
Sarah  Cady,  wid..  Stepney. 

Dec.  4.  James  Camp  and  Eliza- 
beth Kilborn. 

Jan.  31,  1770.  William  Steel 
and  Hannah  "Webster,  Kensing- 
ton. 

July  8.  Eli  Stoddord  and  Abi- 
gail Atwood. 

The  same  evening,  Eli  Tryon  and 
Sybil  Hurlbut. 

March  8.  David  Clark  of  B'n, 
and  Louis  Andrus,  of  Wethers- 
field. 

March  22.  William  Warner,  jr., 
and  Abigail  Robbins. 

May  9.  John  Kelsey  and  Agnis 
Bowls,  Kensington. 

Aug.  15.  Judah  Wright  and  Zu- 
roiah  Crowfoot,  Kensington. 

Dec.  20.  Levi  Andrus  and  Cloe 
Welles. 


Jan.  17,  1771.  David  Welles  and 

Eunice  Clapp. 

Ebent^zer   Wyman  and 

Sarah  Brigden. 

And  Edward  Brown  and 

Elizabeth    Graham,   alias    Dil- 

lings. 
April     21.      David     Lowry    and 

Lucy  Cole. 
May  1.    Elias  Francis  and  Thank- 
full  Hun. 
May  2.     Lemuel  Woodhouse  and 

Cloe  Woolcot. 
June  27.     Ephraira   Deming  and 

Martha  Deming. 
July    11.       William     Smith    and 

Mary  Welles,  wid.,  at  Wd. 
Oct.    30.      Levi    Churchill    and 

Elizabeth  Hurlbut. 
Nov.  14.     Aron  Deming  and  Ly- 

dia  Stoddord,  and  James  Wells 

and  Lucy  Wells. 
Jan.  30,  1772.     Levi  Wright  and 

Abigail  Woolcut,  Wd. 
Feb.  6.     Seth  Bordman  and  Abi- 
gail Forsdich,  Wd. 
April  16.     Seth  Wells  and  Judith 

Robbins,  Wd. 
April    23.       Timothy    Lee    and 

Lucy  Camp. 
April  30.     Ashbel  Lee  and  Sarah 

Hun. 
May    21.      Elisha    Woodruff,  of 

Farmington,   and    Anne    Gris- 

would,  of  Wethersfield. 
Oct.    1.     Timothy    Hubbard  and 

Abigail  Deming. 
Nov.  12.  Elijah  Welles  and  Sarah 

Balch  of  W'd. 
Nov.  19.   Asa  Talcot,  of  Glassen- 

bury,  and  Hannah  Stillman,  of 

Wd. 
Jan.  18,  1773.     Perez  Swift  and 

Hannah  Fairchild. 
Feb.  4.     Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  and 

Ilannah  Robbins. 
April    14.  ^     Fitch   Hurlbut   and 

Jemima  Hun. 


*  W'd,  an  abbreviation  of  Wethersfield. 


109 


May  5.     Deliverance  Deming  and 

Sarah  Smith,  of  Wethersfield. 
The  same  evening,  John  Goodrich 

and  Jerusha  Deming,  Wd. 
May  6.     Justus  Francis  and  Ke- 

turah  Andrus. 
And   Elizur   Deming  and  Lucina 

Francis. 
Oct.  7.     Charles  Bulkly  and  Eu 

nice  Wells,  Wd. 
Nov.    25.      Epaphras    Stoddord 

and  Mary  Wells,  Wd. 
Dec.   8.      Elias     Griswould     and 

Rhoda  Flowers,  Wd. 
Jan.  13, 1774.    Elijah  Welles  and 

Sarah  Kellogg. 
Jan.  27.     John   Lusk   and  Eliza- 
beth Kellogg. 
Feb.  28.     Enos  Hun  and  Esther 

Smith. 
May  11.     Jonathan  Beckly   and 

Mary  Webster,  Worthington. 
Aug.  24.     Theode   Bordman  and 

Eunice  Lusk,  Wd. 
Oct.  10.     Gershom  Woolcut  and 

Rhoda  Robbins. 
Oct.  27.     Joseph  Steel  and  Olive 

Churchill. 
Dec.  22.     Benajah  Bordman  and 

Martha  Churchill. 
Jan.  5,  1775.     Timothy   Kilborn, 

jr.,  and  Maiy  Deming. 
Jan.   26.     Thomas   Stedman  and 

Hannah  Ati<ins,  Mid. 
June  1.     Nathaniel    Bradley  and 

Dorothy  Ashly,  Worthington. 
June  8.     Elizur  Hale  and  Han- 
nah Welles,  Wd. 
June  28.     Eleazur  Aspinwall  and 

Elizabeth  Steel. 
July  28.     Charles    Nott,  jr.,  and 

Hannah  Beclily,  Worthington. 
Oct.    12.      James   Lusk  and  my 

daughter  Abigail  Belden  (162). 
Nov,  1.     Sam'l    Whittimore    and 

Rhoda  Forsdick,  Wd. 
Jan.  11,  1776.     Aron  Porter  and 

Louis  Kelsey,  Worthington. 
March    28.      Seth    Gilbert    and 

Lucy  Kelsey,  Worthington. 


May  2.  Lem'l  Fuller  and  Eunice 
Welles. 

June  6.  Elisha  Stoddord  and 
Dorothy  Willard. 

Same  evening,  Jedediah  Mills  and 
Sarah  Andrus. 

July  11.  Solomon  Beckley  and 
Cloe  Kircum. 

Oct.  1.  John  Goodrich  and 
Abigail  Price. 

Oct.  24.  Noah  Woodruff  and 
Lydia  Fox. 

Dec.  17.  Isaac  Bidwell,  of  Glas- 
tonbury and  Rhoda  Beckly  of 
Worthington. 

Feb.  13,  1777.  Ashbel  Seymour 
and  Abigail  Welles. 

Feb.  20.  Jedediah  North  and 
Abigail  Andrus,  Worthington. 

April  14.  Ambrose  Fuller  and 
Rhoda  Williams,  Worthington. 

May  7.  Butler  Gilbert  and  Abi- 
gail Woodhouse,  Wethersfield. 

Same  evening,  John  Warner,  3d, 
and  Mary  Ann  Ayrault,  Weth- 
ersfield. 

May  29.  John  Benton  and  Es- 
ther Colby,  Stepney. 

May  30.  Ebenezur  Davis  and 
Rachel  Andrus,  Wd. 

June  2.  Joseph  North  and  Rhoda 
Blin. 

June  5.  William  Combs  and 
Lucy  Webster,  W'd. 

June  9.  Joseph  Buel  and  Pa- 
tience Nott,  Worthington. 

June  12.  James  Bidwell,  Esq., 
Hartford,  and  Sarah  Welles, 
W'd. 

July  30.  Ezekiel  Smith  and  Ann 
Belden,  Stepney. 

Sept.  11.  Joseph  Churchill  and 
Rhoda  Goodrich. 

Oct.  2.  George  Colafox,  N.  L'n, 
and  Mary  Robbins,  W'd. 

Same  evening,  Andrew  Norton 
and  Sarah  Kelsey,  Worthing- 
ton. 

Oct.  29.  Jedediah  Smith  and 
Elizabeth  Kellogg. 


f 


110 


Dec.  1 8.  Enoch  Kelsy,  jr.,  and 
Keziah  Gilbert,  Worthington. 

Also  Amos  Webster  and  Mable 
Andi'us,  all  of  Worthington. 

Jan.  8,  1778.  Robert  Warner 
and  Mary  Clark,  W'd. 

Jan.  12.  John  Hurlbut  and  Ju- 
dith Homer. 

Feb.  2.  BenajahTaylor  and  Mary 
Kircum, 

June  15.  Jesse  Churchil  and 
Elizabeth  Belden. 

June  18.  Peter  and  Philis,  ne- 
gro servants  of  U.  Robbins  and 
L.  Chester. 

July  16.  Sam'l  Churchill  and 
Mercy  Bordman. 

Sept.  24.  Lem'l  Prat  and  Han- 
nah Woolcut. 

Oct.  13.  John  Ducass  and  Mary 
Whiting. 

Nov.  19.  Joseph  Beckly,  of  Ca- 
naan, and  Elizabeth  Bordman, 
of  Stepney. 

Nov.  26.  Elias  Deming  and  Mar- 
tha Welles. 

Dec.  15.  Joseph  Curtis  and  Re- 
becca Deming,  W'd. 

Dec.  30.  Amos  Buck  and  Abi- 
gail Stoddord. 

Jan.  4,  1779.  Levi  Curtis  and 
Rhoda  Stoddord. 

Feb.  18.  David  Belden  and 
Louis  Woolcott,  Stepney. 

April  1 4.  Saul  Alvert  and  Elea- 
nor Kellogg. 

May  24.  Moses  Wright  and 
Abigail  Wright,  W'd. 

June  3.  Joseph  Belden  Weed 
and  Susannah  Woolcott,  Step- 
ney. 

Sept.  9.  Elizur  Goodrich  and 
Louis  Squire. 

Nov.  10.  Daniel  Foot,  of  Pits- 
field,  and  Prudence  Knowls,  of 
W'd. 

Nov.  11.  John  Barnish,  Hart- 
ford, and  Louisa  Nott,  of  Step- 
ney. 


Nov.    18.      Obediah    Smith   and 

Sarah  Blin. 
April   6,    1780.     Ashbel    Belden 

and  Lydia  Beckly,  W'd. 
Also  Elijah  Bordman  and  Nancy 

Deming. 
April  7.  William  Bebe  and  Eliza- 
beth Dunston. 
May    11.     David    Stoddord   and 

Mary  Thompson. 
May  22.     William  Parbant   and 

Lydia  Butler. 
May  24.     Capt.  Neheraiah  Mer- 

ril  and  Sarah  Welles. 
May  25.  James  White  and  Mercy 

Linsly. 
May  25.  Asa  Welles  and  Martha 

Goodrich,  W'd. 
June  ].     Jo?eph  King,  Canadian, 

and  Bathsheba  Trailor,  tramper. 
June  14.     William  Woolcutt  and 

Rebecca  Goodrich. 
Dec.  28.     Joseph  Curtis,  jr.,  and 

Eunice  Hun. 
Jan.  18,  1781.     Levi   Lusk  and 

Happy  Kilbom. 
Feb.  8.     Thomas   Clap  and  Hul- 

dah  Bull,  of  W'd. 
March   21.     Joseph  Rowlandson 

and  Sarah  Latimer. 
April  1 9.   Seth  Kilborn  and  Louis 

Blin. 
Feb.  7,  1782.     Abijah  Flagg  and 

Thankfull  Seymour. 
April    30.     James   Blin,  jr.,   and 

Irene  Andrus,  she  on  a  sick  bed. 
May    30.      Ozias    Willcox    and 

Mary  Lusk. 
July  31.     James  Hogan  and  F — . 

Minor. 
Nov.  3.    James  Prat  and  Ruth 

Andrus. 
Nov.  14.      Daniel   Warner   and 

Cinthia  Kellogg. 
Nov.   21.     Leonard    Belden  and 

Anne  Buck. 
Nov.  28.     Timothy  Hubbard  and 

Meliitable  Beckly. 
Jan.  23,  1783.     Phineas  Andrus, 

ji\,  and  Seebury  Stoddord. 


Ill 


April  24.  Daniel  Willard,  jr., 
and  Rhoda  Welles. 

July  3.  Justus  Francis  and  Mary 
Belden,  my  daughter. 

Au«j.  21.  Francis  Deming  and 
Elizabeth  Churchill. 

Nov.  13.  Edward  Howard  and 
Anne  Stoddord. 

July  1,  1784.  Daniel  Ayrault 
and  Mary  Balch,  Wd. 

Sept.  1.  Robert  Welles,  3d,  and 
Lucretia  Russel ;  also  Francis 
Coslet  and  Rachel  Adkins. 

Sept.  23.  Silas  Sandford  and  Lu- 
cretia Deming. 

Jan.  6,  1785.  Lemuel  Holmes 
and  Sarah  Whaples. 

March  27.  Capt.  Roger  Welles 
and  Jemima  Kellogg. 

April  10.  Ichabod  Paterson  and 
Jemima  Haiden. 

June  28.  John  Kirkum  and  Jan- 
net  Stoddord. 

Oct.  26.  Eli  Hurlbut  and  Sarah 
Landers. 

Nov.  10.  Absalom  Welles  and 
Lorrain  Fater.-on. 

Dec.  12.  Justus  Woolcut  and  Ro- 
setta  Squier. 

Jan.  17,  1786-  Robert  Deming 
and  Lucy  Blin. 

April  20.  Stephen  Kellogg  and 
Cinthia  Andrus. 

April  27.  Seth  Kilborn  and  Han- 
nah Churchill. 

Oct.  0.  Cliarles  Dix  and  Pru- 
dence Welles,  Wd. 

Jan.  28,  1787.  Zadock  Hinsdale 
and  Elizabeth  Camp. 

April  12.  Simon  Kilborn  and 
Eunice  Kircum. 

Sept.  20.  Charles  Miller  and 
Folly  Weaver. 

Jan.  1 6,  1 788.  Edward  Buttricks 
and  Nabby  Kilborn. 

May  11.  Gideon  Hubbard  and 
Bathsheba  Migat. 

June  2.  Capt.  Samuel  Wyllis 
and  Mary  Ducass. 


June  26.  Thomas  Fox  and  Louis 
Seymour. 

Sept.  11.  Ashbel  Seymour  and 
Honor  Willard. 

Oct.  19.  David  Witterly  and 
Ruth  Andrus. 

Nov.  27.  Ichabod  Minor  and 
Hannah  Witterly. 

Jan.  25,  1789.  Josiah  Griswould 
and  Abigail  Welle.s. 

Feb.  17.  Unni  Blin  and  Holly 
Hunter. 

May  IL  Sion  Wentworth  and 
Rebecca  Bordraan. 

Oct.  25.  Jonathan  Blin  and 
Honor  Stoddord. 

Jan.  21,  1790.  Lemuel  Gibs  and 
Martha  Hurlbut. 

Jan.  28.  John  Webster  and  Eu- 
nice Deming,  Worthington. 

March  4.  Aaron  Hart  and  Sarah 
Francis. 

April  22.  Barzillai  Deming  and 
Sophia  Smith. 

Dec  9.  Levi  Welles  and  Han- 
nah Welles. 

Dec.  19.  Jason  Buckly  and  Clar- 
issa Dort. 

April  21,  1791.  Francis  Coslet 
and  Sarah  Smith. 

June  30.  Christopher  Bebe  and 
Mercy  Taylor. 

Sept.  15.  Curtis  Welles  and  Han- 
nah Trv'oii,  AV'd. 

Oct.  2.  Ebenezur  Hart  and  Lucy 
Jerome,  N.  Bn. 

Nov.  22.  Elisha  Blin  and  Mary 
Rodes,  Wd. 

Feb.  23,  1792.  Prince  Draper 
and  Sibil  Goodrich. 

May  3.  Jolm  King  and  Sally 
Mervin.  W'd. 

Nov.  4.  Unni  Robbins,  jr.,  and 
Lucy  Lowry. 

Dec.  30,  Medad  Gibs  and  Ele- 
anor Hurlbut. 

Jan.  17,  1793.  Seth  Peck  and 
Mary  Deming. 

Feb.  24.  Selah  Deming  and  Sarah 
Jerome. 


112 


May    22.      Ozias    Hiirlbut    and 

Eunice  Deming. 
Sept.  26.     Jonathan  Stoddordjr., 

and  Candace  Peck. 
March    2,    1794.      Aziel    Belden 

and  Azubah  Goodrich. 
April    13.     Asa  Case?  and  Abi- 
gail Blin. 
May   11.     Isaac  Buokinham  and 

Lucy  Belden,  Wd. 
June    12.     Luther  Paterson  and 

Jemima  Tryon. 
Feb.   15,  1795.     Michel   Wright 

and    Silva    Goodrich ;    and  the 

same    time    8eth    Lowry  ?  and 

Lydia  Wright. 
May  27.    David  Gilbert  and  Lucy 

Squire. 
June    28.      Timothy    Stanly  and 

Abigail  Robbins. 
October    23.     Juba    Stephenson 

and  Jenne  Stouton,  negroes. 
Dec.  27.    Justus  Cook  and  Mary 

Goodrich  alias  Webster. 
Sept.  29,  1796.     Timothy    Sted- 

man  and  Abigail  Peck. 
Nov.  29.   Joseph  Lynde  and  Mar- 
tha Belden. 
Nov.  30.     James  Welles,  jr.,  and 

Eleanor  Camp. 
Jan.  9,  1797.     Joshua  Belden,  jr., 

and  Dorothy  Whittlesey. 
April  12.      Mr.    Joel    Ilutchins  ? 

and  Elizabeth  Goodrich. 
May  13.  AUin  Francis  and  Esther 

Hotchkis. 
Nov.   8.      Oliver    Richards    and 

Lydia  Andrus. 
October  12f    Mr.  Silas  Churchill 

and  Rhoda  Belden. 
Feb.    14,    1798;      Bethuel   Lusk 

and  Elizabeth    Foster,  of  Mer- 

iden. 
Oct.  7.    Leonard  Welles  and  Pru- 
dence Robbins. 


Oct.  19.  Elisha  Whaples  and 
Nancy  Blin. 

Nov.  29.  Samuel  Whaples  and 
Abigail  Holmes, 

Feb.  18,  1799.  Leonard  Hub- 
bard and  Elizabeth  Churchill. 

Sept.  29.  Lemuel  Holmes  and 
Sylvia  Andrus. 

Jan.  30,  1800.  Benjamin  Hart 
jr.,  and  Hannah  Kellogg. 

Sept.  30.  Moses  Kelsy  and  Han- 
nah Andrus. 

Jan.  8,  1801.  Elizur  Dudly  and 
Anne  Hurlbut. 

Jan.  18.  Daniel  Lamb  and  Pru- 
dence Fox. 

Aug.  20.  Elias  Dillingwood  and 
Polly  Richards,  (Wortliington.) 

Nov.  26.  Ralph  Smith,  Chatham, 
and  Honor  Deming,  Wd. 

March  4,  18!)2.  Allin  Webster, 
Hartford,  and  Polly  Hurlbut, 
Wd. 

June  1.  Rev.  Sam'l  Mills,  Say- 
brook,  and  wid.  Caty  Seymour, 
West  Hartford. 

Oct.  3.  Ashbel  Seymour,  jr.,  and 
Mary  Lowry. 

Oct.  12.  Noble  Clmrchill  and 
Olive  Stoddard,  both  of  Wd. 

Nov.  25.  Moses  Camp  and  Cloe 
Stoddord. 

Jan.  2,  1803.  Enos  Deming  and 
Pruey  Lusk. 

March  24.  Joseph  Blin  and  Olive 
Stoddord. 

Oct.  9.  William  Lowry  and  Ra- 
chel Seymour. 

April  4,  1804.     B6njamin    Read 
and  Bathsheba  North. 
Marriages,  326. 

Feb.  24,  1807.  Charles  Belden 
Churcbill  and  Elizabetli  Hub- 
bard, both  of  Weathersfield. 


113 


VI. 


Deaths. 


Nov.   30,    1747.     Died,   Eunice, 
daughter  of  George  Woolcot. 

Dec.  17.  Widow  Sarah  Chur- 
chil. 

Sept.  2^  1748.  Ehzabeth,  daugh- 
ter of  Josiah  Wright. 

Sept.  5.     Amos  Andrus. 

Sept.  15.     Hannah  Andrus. 

Sept.  — .  Lydia,  daughter  of 
Josiah  Jones. 

Oct.  22.     Reuben  Whaples. 

Nov.  4.  Solomon,  son  of  Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Jan.  2,  1748-9.  Oliver,  son  of 
Jonathan  Churchil. 

Jan.  14.  Hannah,  daughter  of 
Charles  Churchil. 

Feb.  20.  Timothy,  son  of  Tim- 
othy Kilborn. 

April  19.  Thankful,  wife  of 
Timothy  Andrus. 

Sept.  4.  The  wife  of  William 
Lusk. 

Oct  8.  Loui?,  daughter  of  Ben- 
jamin Goodrich. 

Dec.  2,  1750.  Mr.  James  Patter- 
son. 

April  5,  1751.  Ruth,  daughter  of 
Joseph  Andrus. 

April  12.  Hannah,  daughter  of 
Elisha  Warren. 

June  25.     Sarah  Goodrich. 

Sept.  1 7.  Bela,  son  of  Benjamin 
Goodrich. 

Oct.  Mary,  daughter  of  John 
Peirce. 

Dec.  14.  Sarah,  daughter  of 
William  Andrus.  Scault  to 
death. 

Feb.  8,  1752.  Wile  of  Thomas 
Francis. 

March  20,  1752.  Mary,  wife  of 
Samuel  Buck. 

April  23,  1752.  Hannah,  daugh- 
ter of  Ephraim  Blin. 

16 


Same  day,  died  Peter,  in  a  fit. 
June  4.     The  aged  widow,  Sarah 

Whaples,  84  yrs. 
June  24.     Mr.  Joseph  Hurlbut. 
July  10.     Prudence,  wife  of  Mr. 

Josiah  Deming. 
Jari.  1,  1753.     Mary,  daughter  of 

Samuel  Hun. 
Jan.  1.     The  aged  Mrs.  Hun. 
Sept.   22.     Abigail,   daughter  of 

Caleb  Webster. 
Sept.    27,    1753.      Mary,    infant 

daughter  of  Charles  Churchil. 
Nov.    13,    1753.      Capt.    Martin 

Kellogg. 
Jan.    21,    1754.       Mrs.      Sarah 

Lamb. 
Feb.  3.     Josiah  At  wood,  jr.,   his 

child. 
Ma}-  8.     Nicholas  Doming. 
May  19.     Nathaniel  North. 
May  24.     Betty  Churchil. 
Sept.   4.     Semiley    (or    Smiley), 

wife  of  Jacob  Way. 
Sept.  12.     Jacob  Whaples. 
Sept.  16.     Thomas  Robbins. 
Sept.  17.     Gamaliel  Bordman. 
Sept.  26.    Mrs.  Dorothy  Kellogg. 
Oct.  3.     The   Wid.    Ruth    Dem- 
ing. 
Dec.  14.     Josiah  Kilborn. 
Jan.  10,  1755.     David  Churchil, 

son  of  David  Churchil. 
Feb.    24,    1755.      John,    son    of 

Elijah  Stoddord. 
May  15.     Elizabeth  Stoddord. 
Aug.  16.     Wife  of  David  Wool- 

cott. 
Aug.  19.     Ajun,  wife   of  Samuel 

Steel. 
Sept.  5.     Violet,  negro  woman. 
Oct.  3.     The  aged  Mr.  Chester. 
Oct.  13.     Wid.  Sarah  Whaples. 
Jan.    18,   1756.     Dr.  Joseph  An- 
drus. 


114 


Jan.  26.  George,  infant  son  of 
Josiah  Atwood,  jr. 

Jan.  31.  Curtis,  son  of  Joshua 
Andrus. 

March  12.  Jonathan,  infant  child 
of  Nathaniel  Kircum. 

March  13.     Mrs.  Mercy  Lamb. 

May  31.     Jonathan  Blin. 

June  15.     Enos,  son  of . 

July  23.     Benajah  Andrus. 

July  25.  Hannah,  wife  of  Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Aug.  7.     Lt.  Richard  Bordman. 

Sometime  in  May,  I  think,  died 
Josiah,  infant  son  of  Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Aug.  15.     Nathaniel  Stoddord. 

Aug.  20.  Mary,  wife  of  William 
Wells. 

Oct.  26.  Rosel,  son  of  Bevil 
Seymour. 

Nov.  3.     Elisha  Andrus. 

March  10,  1757.  Dea.  Josiah 
Willard. 

Aug.  2.     Samuel  Hun. 

Aug.  24.     Pelatiah  Buck,  jr. 

72. 

Aug.  31.     Jonathan  Stoddord. 

Sept.  13.  Mr.  Eliphalet  Whit- 
tlesey. 

Nov.  4.  Wid.  Sarah  Stoddord, 
daughter  of  Josiah  Atwood. 

Jan.  17,  1758.     Josiah  Atwood. 

March  22.  The  aged  Mr.  Whit- 
tlesy. 

June  6.  Silvia,  daughter  of  Ste- 
phen Deming. 

Aug.  14.  Leonard,  son  of  Ste- 
phen Deming. 

Sept.  10.  Irene,  wife  of  William 
Andrus. 

Sept.  16.  —  wife  of  Jedediah 
Atwood. 

Sept.  23.  My  second  daughter 
Anne. 


Jan.  7,  1759.     John  Bordman. 
Jan.    13.     Amos,   infant   son    of 

Amos  Hurlbut. 
May  31.     Mary  Willard. 
June  2.     Martha,  wife  of  Henry 

Kircum. 
June  17.     Was  buried  an  infant 

child    of   Josiah   Atwood,    un- 

baptised. 
June  26.  Nathaniel  Kircum,  being 

in  the  public    service  at  Fort 

Edward.* 
June  — .     Samuel  Wright,  in  the 

army. 
Aug.  26.     Lt.  Ebenr.  Kilborn. 
Sept.  10.     Cloe,  daughter  of  the 

widow  Buck,  relict  of  Pelatiah 

Buck,  jr. 
Oct.  8.     Joseph  Kellogg. 
Feb.    24,    1760.      Anne,    infant 

daughter  of  Amos  Hurlbut. 
May  23.     The  Wid.   Sarah   An- 
drus. 
And  same  day  buried  a  still-born 

child  of  Thomas  Francis. 
May  26.     Simeon,   infant   son  of 

Stephen  Kellogg. 
Oct.    — .     A    child    of   Thomas 

Wright. 
Nov.    7.       Buried,    a     still-born 

child  of  Robert  Wells,  jr. 
Nov.  27.     Jacob  Way. 
Dec.  5.     Nathaniel,   infant  son  of 

Elijah  Kircum. 
Dec.  13.     Thode  Seymour,    with 

the  small-pox. 
Feb.    20,    1761.     Zebulon    Stod- 
dord buried. 
Sarah,  infant  daughter  of  William 

Andrus. 
And  Bethsheba,  daughter  of  Jede- 
diah Atwood. 
Who  all  died  in  one  night. 
March  24.     Joel  Jones. 
April  9.     Buried,  an  infant  child 


*  Fort  Edward  was  on  the  site  of  the  present  village  of  Fort  Edward,  in  Wash- 
ington county,  New  York,  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson  river,  about  45  miles  north 
from  Albany.  It  was  erected  by  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Lyman, 
in  the  .summer  of  17.'5.5,  who  were  assembled  at  the  "  carrying-place  "  between  Hud- 
sou  River  and  Lake  George,  being  the  point  where,  in  the  expeditions  against 
Canada,  in  the  French  war,  the  troops  and  stores  were  landed,  and  thence  carried 
to  Wood  Creek,  12  miles,  where  they  were  again  embarked. 


115 


of  Mr.  David  Webster,  unbap- 

tized. 
April  1 9.    Lydia,  wife  of  William 

Buck. 

{Illegible.) 
May  1 .   Dea.  John  Deming,  82  yrs. 

May  1 2.     Hannah,  child  of 

July  2.     ChUd  of  Charles  Chur- 

chil. 
July  27.      My   eldest    daughter, 

Martha. 
Aug.  12.    Mr.  Josiah  Deming,  73 

years. 
Aug.  13.     Was  buried  an   infant 

child  of  Jonathan  Stoddord,  un- 

baptized. 
Dec.    21.     Orrin,    infant    son    of 

Elijah  Kircum. 
July  24,  1 7  62.     Ruth,  daughter  of 

Amos  Hurlbut. 
Dec.  29.     Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Eli- 
jah Stoddord. 
Jan.  10,  1763.     Peter,  negro. 
March  13.     Cloe  Willard. 
Aug.   29,  1764.     Wid.  Prudence 

Robbins. 
Oct.  3.     Buried,  still-born  child  of 

John  Squires. 
Nov.  26.     Wid.  Grace  Goodrich. 
May  30,  1765.     Timothy  Andrus. 
May,  1766.     A   child   of  Ebenr. 

Goodrich. 
July  1  or  2.    A  child  of  Billy  Blin. 
Dec.    23.      Buried,    a    still-born 

child  of  Lr.  W . 

April  25,  1767.     Hannah,  wife  of 

Wm.  BHn. 
April  29.     The   aged  Mrs.  Chit- 
ten  ton. 
Jime    20.     Rosetta,   daughter    of 

John  Squires. 
July  21.     Ensign    Samuel   Chur- 

chil,  of  a — 


Aug.  24.     Stephen  Kellogg,  sud- 
denly, by  a  f — 

Sept.  24.     Buried,  still-born  child 
of  Ensign  Da — 

Feb.  24,   1768.      Infant  child   of 
Joel,  negro. 

March  18.     Gamaliel,  infant  son 
of  Sherman  Bordmau. 

May  3.     Lorania,  daugh.  of  Ben- 
jamin Andrus. 

May  21.     Reuben,  negro. 

Fuller,    suddenly,  at 
Capt.  Churchil's. 

Nov.  22.     Child  of  Ann  KeUogg, 
immature  birth. 

Dec.  24.     Wid.  Deming,  relict  of 
Dea.  Jon.  Deming. 

Dec.  28.     Wid.  Bordman,  relict  of 
R.  Bordman. 

Feb.  26,  1769.     Wid  Camp,  re- 
lict of  Capt.  Camp. 

July  1.     Infant  child  of  Jemima 
Hun. 

Oct.  1.     Mercy  Knowles. 

Jan.  4,  1770.     Elijah  At  wood. 

May    19.       Dora,    aged     negro 
woman,  about  90. 

June    — .      Infant   child   of    Eli 
Tryon,  unbaptized. 

Nov.  25.     John,  son  of  Sherman 
Bordman. 

Dec.   15.      Infant  child    of    Asa 
Andrus. 

AprU    23,    1771.       Aged    Eliz. 
Woolcot. 

Sept.  22.     Aged  Wid.  Stoddord. 

Nov.  6.     Wid.   Hannah  Deming, 
above  70. 

Feb.    22,    1772.     The    wife    of 
Fitch  Hurlbut,  by  a  f— 

May  12.     Infant  child  of  Louis — 

Aug.  31.     ,  the    wife    of 

Joseph 


The  original  manuscript  containing  these  church  records  is  without  covers,  and 
about  the  size  of  a  school  writing-book.  The  paper  coarse  and  unhiled.  The 
leaves  worn  and  frayed.  The  writing  very  fine  and  very  much  crowded.  The 
first  and  last  leaves  have  evidently  become  detached,  and  are  lost.  As  the  "  ad- 
missions to  communion  "  stand  first  in  the  record  the  commencement  of  those 


116 

entries  is  gone,  and  as  "  deaths  "  stand  at  the  close,  these  entries  are  lost  after 
the  date  Aug.  31,  1772.  It  appears,  hy  a  memorandum  on  one  of  the  leaves,  that 
these  records  were  delivered  to  Mr.  Braic,  October  16,  1812,  about  a  year  before 
Mr.  Belden's  death.  They  have  probably  remained  at  the  parsonage  ever  since, 
till  quite  recently. 


CHURCH  COVENANT  AND  ARTICLES  OF  FAITH. 

(Jw  the  time  of  Mr.  Belden.^ 

You  believe,  That  there  is  one  only  living  and  true  God, 
the  Almighty  Maker  and  constant  Preserver  of  Heaven  and 
Earth,  the  rightful  Supreme  Lord  over  all.  Tliat  in  God 
there  are  three  persons,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  who 
are  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and  glory.  That 
the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  are  the  word 
of  God,  and  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice. 

Tou  believe,  That  God  made  man,  at  first,  in  a  holy  and 
happy  state ;  that  all  mankind,  by  their  apostacy  from  and 
rebellion  against  God,  have  exposed  themselves  to  his  wrath 
and  curse,  have  fallen  into  a  state  of  sin  and  misery,  and  are 
utterly  unable  to  deliver  and  save  themselves  ;  but  that  God, 
out  of  the  infinite  riches  of  his  free  grace,  sent  his  only 
begotten  son  into  the  world,  to  be  a  Saviour,  to  die,  the  just 
for  the  unjust,  that  He  might  bring  us  to  God  ;  and  that  He 
has  graciously  made  a  promise  of  pardon  and  eternal  life, 
and  all  the  saving  benefits  of  the  Redeemer's  purchase  to  all 
that  sincerely  repent  of  their  sins,  believe  in,  heartily  receive, 
and  rest  upon  Christ  for  salvation,  as  He  is  offered  in  the 
Gospel,  who,  at  the  last  great  day  being  raised  from  the  dead, 
shall  be  adjudged  to  eternal  life,  but  all  others  to  everlasting 
punishment. 

And  you  do  now,  so  far  as  in  you  lies,  make  choice  of  the 
living  God  for  your  God,  your  Sovereign  Lord  and  portion 
forever ;  of  God  the  father  for  your  father,  of  Christ  the  Son 
of  God  for  your  Saviour  and  Redeemer,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  for  your  Sanctifier  and  Comforter,  and  of  the  Word  of 
God  for  the  rule  of  your  belief  and  practice.* 

*July  21,  1819.     At  a  special  meeting  of  the  church  in  Newington,  at  the  house 
of  the  pastor.     Opened  with  prayer.    After  mature  consideration  it  was  voted, — 


117 

And  you  do  now  openly  and  solemnly  dedicate  and  give  up 
yourself  and  yours  to  God,  to  be  wholly  and  forever  his,  to 
be  guided  by  his  spirit,  to  be  ruled  by  his  laws,  to  be  dis- 
posed of  by  his  Providence,  and  to  be  etei'nally  saved  in  the 
Gospel  way ;  promising,  by  the  assistance  of  the  blessed 
Spirit,  that  you  will  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  Godly  all 
the  days  of  your  life ;  and,  as  the  ordinary  way  of  God's 
conveying  grace  and  the  blessings  of  the  Redemption  to  the 
souls  of  men,  is  in  and  by  his  word  and  ordinances,  you  will 
make  it  your  care  and  study  to  walk  by  this  rule,  to  attend 
upon  God  and  draw  near  to  him  in  all  the  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel  and  ways  of  His  institution,  herein  joining  yourself 
with  this  church  so  long  as  God,  in  his  providence,  shall  give 
you  opportunity,  submitting  yourself  to  the  watch,  discipline, 
and  government  of  Christ,  therein  regularly  administered, 
that  so  you  may  be  edified  and  built  up  unto  eternal  life. 
Thus  you  profess  and  promise,  giving  your  unfeigned  assent 
and  consent. t 

We  do  then  receive  you  into  our  Christian  communion  and 
fellowship,  praying  that  both  you  and  we  may  find  grace  to 
be  faithful. 

That  the  practice  of  demanding  confessions  of  sins  committed  previously  to  a 
person's  proposing  to  join  the  church  be  discontinued,  and  that  instead  of  partic- 
ular confession  of  individual  sins,  there  be  a  clause  expressive  of  general  repent- 
ance, introduced  into  the  covenant  of  personal  dedication  to  God,  viz. : — "  You 
do  also  make  a  solemn  confession  of  all  your  past  sins  ;  you  profess  repentance 
before  God,  and  promise  amendment  of  life."  (This  clause  is  inserted  at  this 
point  in  the  covenant,  as  copied  into  the  pulpit  Bible  by  Dr.  Brace.  There  is  no 
record  of  any  action  of  the  church  making  other  changes  during  Dr.  Brace's 
ministry. — R.  W.) 

tin  the  copy  in  the  pulpit  Bible  these  last  six  words  are  omitted;  also  some 
other  verbal  alterations  and  omissions  appear,  among  which  may  be  mentioned 
the  omission  of  the  clause  added  to  the  covenant  in  which  the  church  recognize 
new  members.  This  omission  was  supplied  by  vote  of  the  church  passed  Feb.  28, 
1857,  as  follows: — "  Voted,  That  the  following  words  be  added  to  the  covenant, 
by  which  the  church  will  recognize  new  members — '"We,  the  members  of  this 
church,  do  now  receive  yon  into  our  fellowship,  promising,  through  Divine  help, 
to  observe  towards  you  all  the  duties  which  the  Gospel  enjoins  upon  ns  as  mem- 
bers of  the  one  body  of  the  Lord.'"  This  vote  was  passed  at  the  suggestion  of 
Dr.  Brace's  successor  in  the  pastoral  oflBce,  Eev.  William  P.  Aiken. 


APPENDIX. 


IMPORTANT     DATES 


Dec.  20,  1708.  Town  meeting.  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the 
petition  of  the  West  inhabitants  to  be  a  distinct 
parish. 

Dec.  14,  1709.     Town  meeting.     Power  of  committee  continued. 

Dec.  18,  1710.  Town  meeting.  West  inhabitants  authorized  to  hold 
meetings  among  themselves  four  months  in  a  year, 
released  from  a  third  of  the  minister's  rates. 

Dec.  24,  1712.  Town  meeting.  Petition  for  a  distinct  parish  granted  by 
the  town. 

May  14,  1713.     Petition  to  the  General  Assembly  to  confirm  the  grant. 

May  15,  1713.     Remonstrance  of  the  Beckleys. 

May  — ,  1713.     General  Assembly  grant  the  charter. 

April  4,1715.  Society  meeting.  Committee  appointed  "  to  endeavor  an 
exchange  "  of  territory. 

April    7,  1715.     Farmington  proprietors  consent  to  the  exchange. 

April  11,  1715.     First  Society  of  Farmington  also  consent. 

May  — ,  1715.  Petition  to  the  General  Assembly  to  confirm  the  ex- 
change. 

May  13,  1715.  Beckleys  execute  a  bond,  which  is  lodged  in  the  Secre- 
tary's ofiice. 

May  — ,  1715.  General  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  "  to  go  upon  the 
place,"  consider  the  subject  of  an  exchange,  and 
report. 

Oct.   — ,1715.     Committee  report  in  favor  of  the  exchange. 
«  «         General  Assembly  accept  the  report  and  confirm  the  ex- 

change, annexing  the  Bcckley  quarter  to  the  Great 
Swamp  Society,  and  the  Stanley  quarter  to  New- 
ington. 

April    5,  1716.     First  Society  meeting  recorded,  Josiah  Willard  chosen 
clerk. 
First  meeting  house  raised  that  month. 

Dec.  15,  1718,  West  Society  first  called  Newington  in  the  record  of  this 
meeting, 

Jan.  15,  1719.     Society  vote  to  call  a  minister  to  preach  till  last  of  March, 
1720. 
Committee  appointed  to  treat  with  Mr.  Nathaniel  Burn- 
ham. 

April  6,  1720.  Society  appoint  a  committee  to  treat  with  Mr.  Elisha 
Williams. 


119 

Aug.  5,  1720.  Society  make  choice  of  Rev.  Elisha  Williams  as  their 
minister. 

Dec.  21,  1720.  Mr.  Williams'  settlement  fixed  at  £170.  Salary  £50 
a  year. 

May  10,  1721.     Society  vote  to  petition  the  Greneral  Assembly  for  relief. 

May  25,  "  General  Assembly  grant  relief,  and  name  the  Society 
Newington. 

Feb.  8,  1722.  Society  vote  to  build  a  pulpit,  a  deacon  seat,  and  finish 
lower  part  of  meeting  house. 

Sept.  5,  1 722.  Society  vote  to  put  in  windows  above  as  well  as  below  in 
meeting  house. 

Oct.  3,  1722.  Fast.  Church  organized,  preliminary  to  ordination  of 
Mr.  Williams. 

Oct.  17,  1722.     Rev.  Elisha  WilUams  ordained. 

Dec.  31,  1723.  Drum  to  be  purchased.  First  school  committee  ap- 
pointed. 

May  22,  1724.  The  trustees  of  Yale  College  make  conditional  choice  of 
Mr.  Williams  as  rector. 

Oct.  — ,  1725.  The  trustees  report  to  the  Assembly  their  unanimous 
choice  of  Mr.  Williams  as  rector,  and  ask  aid  for  the 
parish,  which  is  granted. 

May  4,  1726.  Committees  of  the  College  and  Society  agree  that  New- 
ington should  receive  £200  16s.  for  the  removal  of 
Mr.  Williams  to  the  College. 

May  12,  1726.     Trustees  petition  Assembly  for  help  again.     Granted. 

May  25,  1726.     Rev.  Simon  Backus  called  to  preach  on  probation. 

June  1,  1726.  Mr.  Russel,  jun.,  of  Middletown,  to  be  invited  to  preach 
on  probation  ;  if  he  decline,  then  Mr.  Backus  to  be 
invited. 

Aug.  24,  1 726.     Rev.  Simon  Backus  called  to  be  the  minister. 

Sept.  7,  "  He  accepts  the  call.  Settlement,  £175.  Salary,  £70  to 
£90. 

Nov.  4,  1726.  Trustees  of  Yale  College  pay  the  Society's  committee 
£200  16s. 

Jan.  11,  1727.     Fast,  preliminary  to  ordination  of  Mr.  Backus. 

Jan.  25,      "         Mr.  Backus  ordained. 

May  16,  1732.  The  Society  petition  the  Assembly  for  relief  for  their 
minister.     Not  granted. 

Dec.  16,  1734.     The  society  vote  to  finish  the  meeting  house. 

Oct.  — ,  1 745.  The  Governor  and  Council  impowered  to  appoint  a  chap- 
lain to  the  forces  in  garrison  at  Louisburg.  Mr. 
Backus  appointed  afterwards. 

March  15, 1746.  Mr.  Backus  dies  at  Louisburg,  while  at  his  post  as  chap- 
lain. 

May  8,  1746.  Mrs.  Eunice  Backus  petitions  the  Assembly  for  relief  for 
the  loss  of  her  husband  in  the  public  service. 
Granted. 

May  10,  1747.     Rev.  Joshua  Belding  began  to  preach  for  the  society. 

June  15,  1747.     Society  vote  to  call  him  as  their  minister. 

Nov.  — ,  1747.     Fast,  a  few  days  before  Mr.  Belding's  ordination. 

Nov.  11,      "         Mr.  Belding  ordained. 

May  12,  1748.  Josiah  Deming,  as  agent  of  the  society,  petitions  the 
Assembly  for  relief  for  the  loss  of  their  minister  in 
the  public  service.     £150  granted,  in  bills  of  credit. 

May  — ,  1754.  The  Stanley  quarter  annexed  to  the  new  society  of  New 
Britain,  and  Beckley  quarter  confirmed  to  Kensing- 
ton for  a  consideration. 


120 

Oct.  — ,  1757.     Beckley  quarter  incorporated  as  a  school  district. 

Oct.  — ,  1772.  Worthington  society  organised,  including  Beckley  quar- 
ter. 

March  23, 1774.  Society  vote  to  lease  the  parsonage  for  999  years. 

April  6,  1774.  Mr.  Belding  releases  to  the  society  his  right  to  the  par- 
sonage. 

March  10, 1783.  Society  vote  to  be  divided  into  three  school  districts. 

April  14,  "  Society  approve  of  the  division  of  districts  reported  by 
committee. 

April  29,  "  Society  vote  to  build  two  school  houses  at  the  north  and 
south  ends. 

Dec.  6,  1784.  Society  vote  to  petition  town  to  buy  land  of  Capt.  Kel- 
logg, for  a  green. 

May,   1794.  Certain    territory   adjoining    Worthington,  annexed    to 

that  society  "  for  parochial  purpose  merely." 

Oct.     3,  1796.     Last  votes  of  the  society  on  the  subject  of  schools. 

Aug.  28,  1797.  Final  vote  to  erect  and  finish  a  meeting  house  on  the 
green. 

Nov.  — ,  1803.     Mr.  Belden  ceases  from  pastoral  duties. 

Oct.      7,  1804.     Mr.  Joab  Brace  begins  to  preach. 

Nov.  19,  1804.     Society  vote  to  call  him  as  their  minister. 

Dec.     3,  1804.     Committee  give  him  a  formal  call. 

Dec.  1 7,      "         He  accepts  in  a  formal  answer. 

Jan.     9,  1805.     Fast,  preliminary  to  his  ordination. 

Jan.  16,  1805.     He  is  ordained. 


THE     FIRST     SETTLERS    OF    NEWINGTON.* 

Prior  to  the  year  1 700,  an  excellent  tract  of  land  lying  west  of  the 
mountain,  and  known  by  the  name  of  "  Cowplain,"  was  in  the  almost  ex- 
clusive possession  of  the  Indians.  It  was  the  residence  of  Sequin,  the 
Sachem  of  the  Wethersfield  tribe,  which  at  that  time  was  numerous.  The 
increase  of  population  in  the  old  town,  and  the  consequent  advance  in  the 
value  of  real  estate,  rendered  removals  necessary  lor  a  livelihood,  and  in- 
duced five  men  to  commence  the  settlement  of  this  part  of  the  town.  The 
names  of  three  of  these  adventurous  persons  were  Andrus,  and  the  others 
Steel  and  Hun.  The  house  of  one  of  the  Andruses  stood  a  few  rods  south 
of  the  Congregational  meeting  house,  that  of  Steel  near  the  spot  now 
occupied  by  the  academy,  and  that  of  Hun  in  the  north  part  of  the  parish. 
The  house  of  Andrus  was  fortified  and  surrounded  by  a  high  wall,  to  guard 
against  attacks  of  foreign  Indians  (those  in  the  neighborhood  being 
friendly  disposed).  To  this  fortress  they,  with  their  families,  retired  every 
night,  and  slept  upon  their  arms.  They  were,  however,  never  attacked  by 
their  savage  enemies.  The  tract  of  laud  tlicy  settled  being  large  and 
highly  productive,  they  were  soon  joined  by  others,  and  in  a  few  years 
grew  into  a  considerable  and  prosperous  settlement. 

*  These  extracts  are  taken,  by  permission  of  Dr.  Trumbull,  from  a  manuscript 
history  of  Wethersfield,  written  hy  Hezekiah  Buldcn,  Esq.,  and  deposited  Nov. 
8,  1853,  (after  liis  death,)  in  the  rooms  of  the  Historical  Society,  at  Hartford.  I 
was  not  aware  of  the  existence  of  the  manuscript  till  after  the  preceding  pages 
were  in  press.  R.  W. 


121 

THE  FIRST  MINISTER  OF  NEWINGTON. 

Mr.  Williams  was  tlie  son  of  the  Rev.  William  Williams  of  Hatfield — 
brother  of  the  Hon.  Israel  Williams  and  the  Rev.  Solomon  Williams,  D.  D. 
His  mother  was  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Solomon  Stoddard  of  Northamp- 
ton. He  was  educated  at  Harvard  College,  graduating  in  1711.  From  this 
time  until  his  settlement  at  Newington,  it  is  probable  he  resided  on  his 
estate  in  Wethersfield,  He  married  Eunice,  daughter  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Chester,  February  23d,  1714,  by  whom  he  had  six  children,  Eunice,  ICli- 
slia,  Samuel,  William,  Mary,  and  Anne, — two  of  whom  only,  Elisha  and 
Mary,  survived  their  father.     *     *     *     * 

His  administration  of  the  government  of  Yale  College  is  spoken  of  as 
highly  creditable  to  himseli',  and  beneficial  to  the  institution.  Prudent  and 
energetic  in  government,  "  he  suppressed  the  vice  and  disorder  that  had 
long  prevailed — introduced  many  salutary  and  beneficial  rules,  and  culti- 
vated, among  the  graver  studies  that  had  before  almost  exclusively  occu- 
pied the  attention  of  the  students,  a  taste  for  useful  and  polite  literature." 
Among  the  distinguished  graduates  during  his  presidency,  were  President 
Wheelock,  President  Burr,  Dr.  Bellamy,  Chief  Justice  Dyer,  and  Philip 
and  William  Livingston.  It  was  in  the  same  time  that  Bishop  Berkley, 
pleased  with  the  character  of  the  College,  and  having  ascertained  by  cor- 
respondence with  Rector  Williams,  what  was  most  necessary  for  its 
improvement,  made  several  donations  to  it,  among  which  were  a  thousand 
volumes  of  books,  "  the  finest  collection  that  ever  came  together,  at  one 
time,  into  America." 

President  Williams  retained  his  ofBce  for  thirteen  years,  when  he  re- 
signed on  account  of  ill  health,  with  undiminished  (luster  ?)  and  the 
"  hearty  thanks  of  the  trustees  for  his  good  service."  The  office  which  he 
relinquished  was  one  of  high  distinction,  and  gave  him  a  station  in  soci- 
ety, above  which,  few  in  the  country,  not  of  royal  appointment,  were  more 
elevated.     *     *     *     * 

In  1745  we  find  him  attending  the  chivalric  expedition  against  Cape  Bre- 
ton, in  the  capacity  of  chaplain.  The  following  year  he  was  appointed  a 
Lieut.  Colonel  in  Col.  Joseph  Dwight's  Regiment,  raised  for  the  proposed 
expedition  against  Canada.  The  pious  and  faithful  pastor,  the  accom- 
plished College  President,  the  speaker  of  a  popular  assembly,  the  learned 
judge,  the  itinerant  army  chaplain,  is  hereafter  known  under  his  new 
designation  of  Colonel.  At  Louisburg  his  counsel  was  valued.  "  If  you 
find  any  difficulty,"  writes  Thomas  Cushing  to  a  friend  having  business 
there,  "  take  advice  of  Col.  Choate  and  Rector  Williams."  In  his  regi- 
ment, he  was  efficient  and  popular.  When  the  Canadft  expedition  was 
abandoned,  there  was  delay  in  the  payment  of  the  officers  and  men,  and 
in  December,  1749,  Col.  Williams  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  settle- 
ment was  sent  to  England  and  effected  the  object  of  bis  mission. 

While  in  England  he  formed  an  acquaintance  with  a  lady  of  superior 
accomplishments.  Miss  Scott,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Scott  of  Nor- 
wich, and  sister  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  the  well-known  writer  of  com- 
mentaries on  the  Bible,  who  married  and  accompanied  him  to  America. 
In  England  he  also  became  known  to  many  persons  of  distinction.  Dr. 
Doddridge,  with  whom  he  formed  an  intimate  acquaintance,  describes  him 
as  possessing  "  an  ardent  sense  of  religion,  solid  learning,  consummate 
prudence,  great  candor  and  sweetness  of  temper,  and  a  certain  nobleness 
of  soul,  capable  of  conceiving  and  acting  the  greatest  things  without 
seeming  to  be  conscious  of  having  done  them."  After  his  retui'u  from 
England  the  remainder  of  his  life  was  spent  in  the  enjoyment  of  well 
earned  repose  at  Wethersfield.  He  died  July  24th,  1755,  in  the  61st  year 
of  his  age.  Mrs.  Williams  afterwards  became  the  wife  of  the  Hon. 
William  Smith,  historian  of  New  York,  and  died  in  Wethersfield,  June 
13th,  1776. 

16 


122 

It  has  been  truly  said  that  "  so  great  a  variety  of  honorable  occupa- 
tions successively  discharged  is  rarely  recorded,"  as  in  the  case  of  Elisha 
Williams. 

On  a  tablet  inscribed  to  his  memory  is  the  following  memorial  of  him  : 
"  The  Hon.  Col.  Elisha  Williams  shined  in  excelling  gifts  of  nature, 
learning  and  grace.  In  benevolence  universal.  Firm  in  friendship;  in 
conversation  pleasant  and  instructive  ;  in  lleligion  sincere,  unaffected, 
cheerful,  truly  humble,  patient ;  fearless  in  the  cause  of  God  and  truth  ;  a 
pattern  of  conjugal  and  parental  affection  and  humanity,  a  wise,  great, 
and  good  man;  5  years  he  was  an  honor  to  the  ministry  in  Newington,  13 
years  Yale  College  flourished  under  his  pious,  learned,  faithful  instruction 
and  government,  the  glory  of  the  College  and  ornament  of  his  Country. 
He,  after,  filled  and  adorned  several  civil  and  military  characters.  Heaven 
claimed  what  was  immortal  that  glad  obeyed  and  dropped  here  the  dust 
till  Jesus  comes.     Obiit,  24  July,  1755.     ^tatis  61  mo." 

THE  SECOND  MINISTER. 
Mr.  Backus  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1724.  Oct  1,  1729,  he  mar- 
ried Eunice,  daughter  of  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards  of  East  Windsor,  and 
sister  of  the  first  President  Edwards,  by  whom  he  had  seven  children, 
Clorinda,  Eunice,  Elizabeth — married  Daniel  Bissell  of  East  Windsor ; 
Esther,  married  Benjamin  Ely  of  West  Springfield,  Simon  married 
Rachel   Mosley  of  East  Haddam,  and  was  settled   in  the   ministry  at 

Granby,  Mass.,  and  then  at  North  M ,  where  he  died  a  pauper,  Jeru- 

sha,  married  Smith  Bailey,  Mary  died  unmarried  as  did  the  two  eldest 
daughters. 

THE  THIRD  MINISTER. 

The  Rev.  Joshua  Belden  was  the  second  son  of  Mr.  Silas  Beldcn,  and 
born  in  Wethersfield,  July  19,  1724.  His  mother  Abigail  was  the  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  Joshua  Robbins  of  Wethersfield.  He  was  educated  at  Yale 
College,  graduating  in  1 743.  He  was  a  plain  practical  preacher  of  Evan- 
gelical truth  and  "  shunned  not  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God."  A 
man  scrupulously  conscientious,  of  deeji  humility,  and  of  devoted  and 
ardent  piety.  He  was  married  twice.  First  to  Mrs.  Anne  Belden  of 
Wethersfield,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children,  nine  daughters  and  one  son. 
Four  of  the  daughters  died  in  early  life,  Abigail  born  Aug.  10,  1754,  mar- 
ried Mr.  James  Lusk  of  Newington.  Mary  born  Dec.  9,  1755,  married 
Mr.  Justus  Francis  of  Newington.  Anne,  a  mute,  born  July  7,  1759. 
Martha  born  ,jnuly24,  1761,  married  Doct.  Joseph  Lynde  of  Hartford. 
Octavia  born  Oc]j|2TT  1763,  married  Rev.  Nathaniel  Gaylord  of  llartland. 
Rhoda  born  May  29,  1766,  married  Rev.  Silas  Churchill  of  New  Lebanon, 
N.  Y.  Joshua  born  March  29,  1768,  married  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Mi*. 
Lemuel  Whittlesey  of  Newington. 

For  his  second  wife,  Mr.  Belden  on  the  14th  Nov.,  1774,  married  Mrs. 
Honor  W^hiting,  widow  of  Capt.  Charles  Whiting  of  Norwich,  and  daughter 
of  Mr.  Hezekiah  Goodrich  of  Wethersfield,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  Heze- 
kiah,  born  Feb.  17,  1778,  married  Harriet  Halsted  Lyon,  daughter  of 
Underbill  Lyon,  Es(j.,  of  Rye,  N.  Y.  Of  the  numerous  family  of  Mr.  Bel-- 
den,  five  only  survived  him,  four  of  his  youngest  daughters,  and  his  second 
son.  He  was  a  man  of  sorrows,  but  he  bore  them  like  a  Christian,  his 
faith  was  triumphant.  On  the  death  of  his  second  wife,  standing  over 
her  lifeless  body  and  gazing  in  silent  grief  for  a  short  time  in  her  placid 
countenance,  he  exclaimed,  raising  his  hands  and  eyes  to  heaven,  "  I  am 
dumb — I  open  not  my  mouth,  for  the  Lord  hath  done  it,"  then  kneeling 
with  his  weeping  family  around  him  he  poured  forth  his  soul  in  prayer 
for  resignation  and  support,  and  in  thanksgiving  that  the  object  of  his 
affection  had  been  so  long  S2)ared  to  him,  as  the  solace  of  his  life,  and  of 
assured  hope  in  her  death. 


123 


PART  II. 

MODERN  ANNALS  OF  NEWINGTON, 

COMPRISING 

RECORDS  OF  THE   ECCLESIASTICAL   SOCIETY  AND   CONGREGATIONAL 
CHURCH  OF  NEWINGTON 

IN   THE 

SECOND  CENTURY  OF  THEIR  EXISTENCE. 


FIRST  PERIOD,  180S— 18S7. 
Dr.  Brace,  in  his  published  half-century  discourse,  has  given 
the  history  of  the  parish  during  the  time  of  his  administra- 
tion of  the  pastoral  office.  During  the  first  century  of  its 
existence  there  was  great  turmoil,  strife,  and  controversy,  not 
only  with  its  neighbors  on  the  West  and  South,  but  intestine 
war  within  its  own  limited  borders.  Continual  recourse  was 
had  to  the  General  Assembly,  to  settle  boundaries,  to  settle 
the  locations  of  the  two  meeting-houses  that  were  built  and 
to  assist  the  parish  for  the  loss  of  the  first  and  second  minis- 
ters. The  town  also  and  the  Courts  were  frequently  applied 
to  for  help,  and  intervention.  These  vexed  questions  were 
happily  all  disposed  of  before  the  settlement  of  Dr.  Brace. 
During  the  time  of  his  ministry  peace  reigned  without  and 
within  unbroken  save  by  a  few  cases  of  discipline.  No  peti- 
tion was  presented  to  the  Legislature,  and  but  one  to  the 
town,  and  no  recourse  was  had  to  the  conrts.  It  is  unneces- 
sary to  go  over  the  ground  covered  l)y  Dr.  Brace's  discourse. 
His  ministry  was  not  only  a  time  of  peace,  but  it  was  also  a 
time  of  great  improvement  in  the  material  interests  and  wel- 
fare of  the  people.  One  of  these  improvements  is  alluded  to 
by  him  as  follows.  "  Fifty  years  ago  there  was  no  road  from 
this  place  to  Hartford,  and  the  little  intercourse  with  the  city 
was  carried  on,  either  by  going  over  the  mountain  to  Wethers- 


124 

field,  or  by  passing  round  through  West  Hartford."  The 
present  road  to  Hartford  by  the  house  of  Charles  K.  Atwood, 
Esq.,  was  laid  out  in  1807,  its  southern  terminus  being  near 
the  meeting-house,  throwing  open  a  space  for  a  green  north 
of  the  road  running  east  to  Wethersfield,  while  its  western 
terminus  was  near  the  north  school  liouse,  the  two  roads 
forming  a  junction  near  the  house  of  Robert  Francis,  thence 
running  towards  Hartford,  to  and  along  the  base  of  Cedar 
mountain.* 

Not  only  were  great  improvements  made  in  the  roads  and 
bridges  of  Newington  and  vicinity,  but  in  1833  was  incorpor- 


*As  this  road  is  a  main  thoroughfare,  and  as  it  is  important  to  preserve  the 
ancient  land  marks,  the  decree  of  the  court  laying  out  the  road  is  worthy  of  an 
insertion  at  this  place.     It  is  as  follows : 

"  On  the  Petition  of  Joshua  Bclden  and  others  praying  for  highways  in  New- 
ington society  in  Wethersfield,  leading  to  Hartford,  by  ])etition  on  file,  dated 
February  28,  1807,  the  case  was  continued  to  tliis  term,  the  committee  in  the  case 
laid  before  the  court  their  report  in  these  words.  "  To  the  honorable  Coimty 
Court  to  be  holden  at  Hartford,  within  and  for  the  county  of  Hartford,  on  the 
second  Tuesday  of  August,  1807.  The  subscril)cr.s  appointed  by  your  honors  a 
Committee  on  the  petition  of  Joshua  Belden,  Jr.,  Esq.,  and  others,  inhabitants  of 
the  parish  of  Newington  in  the  town  of  Wethersfield,  to  view,  and,  if  judged  by 
said  Committee  expedient,  lay  out  a  highway  from  near  the  dwelling  house  of 
said  Joshua  Belden,  Jr.,  to  the  south  line  of  the  town  of  Hartford,  in  such  direc- 
tion as  would  best  accommodate  the  travel  from  said  Newington  to  the  city  of 
Hartford,  or  to  alter  the  present  traveled  roads  in  a  manner  most  convenient  to 
the  public,  and  least  injurious  to  private  property,  and  report  make  to  the  then 
or  some  future  session  of  said  court,  beg  leave  to  report — That  having  given  legal 
notice  of  tlie  time,  place,  and  purpose  of  our  meeting- we  met  at  the  house  of 
deacon  Wells  in  said  Newington  on  the  25th  day  of  June  last  and  from  thence 
proceeded  to  view  the  several  roads  leading  from  near  the  house  of  said  Joshua 
Belden,  Jr.,  Esq.,  mentioned  in  the  bill  in  form  apj)ointing  said  Committee,  with 
the  intermediate  ground  from  the  west  street  in  said  Newington  to  the  mountain ; 
and  upon  a  full  view  and  liearing  of  those  concerned  your  Committee  were  clearly 
of  opinion  that  by  altering  and  widening  the  present  highway  from  near  the 
house  of  said  Belden  and  running  by  said  deacon  Wells's,  and  by  laying  a  road 
from  the  junction  of  the  road  running  easterly  from  the  North  school  house  in 
the  west  street  in  said  Newington  across  the  lands  of  Unni  llobbins  and  Martin 
Kellogg  in  a  Northeastward  direction  to  the  old  road,  and  from  thence  widening 
the  present  road  to  the  road  running  under  tiie  mountain  to  said  Hartford  would 
best  accommodate  the  public  travel  from  said  Newington  to  Hartford,  and  be  the 
least  damage  to  private  property.  We  therefore  Iwgan  at  a  stake  and  stones  in 
the  old  road  at  the  north  line  of  Jemima  Welles's  land  near  the  housi;  of  Joshua 
Belden,  Jr.,  Esq.,  and  run  northerly  in  .said  road  22  chains  .')7  links  to  the  south 
line  of  Fitch  Andrus's  laud,  thence  in  said  olil  road  and  widening  the  same  on 
said  Andrus,  by  a  line  from  the  southeast  corner  of  his  lot  to  a  stake  and  stones 
near  tlie  brook  6  chains  ;5.'j  links  tiience  running  in  said  old  road  12  chains  10  links 
to  Elijah  Wells's  land  to  a  stake  and  stones  in  the  fence  east  of  old  road,  thence 
N.  7°  E.  .5  chains  37  links  on  said  Wells's  land,  thence  the  same  jwint  4  chains 
97  links  on  Jemima  Welles's  land,  thence  in  the  old  road  1  chain  56  links  to  a 
.stake  and  stones,  thence  N.  1  ^  E.  8  chains  10  links  to  Unni  Kobbins's  land, 
thence  the  .same  point  on  said  Bobbins  10  chains  78  links,  thence  N.  5."}"  E.  10 
chains  on  said  Bobbins,  thence  running  the  same  point  on  Martin  Kellogg's  land 
34  chains  41  links  to  the  old  road,  tiience  the  same  point  50  links  across  said  road, 


125 

ated  the  Hartford  and  New  Haven  Railroad  Company  who 
laid  their  iron  track  through  Newington,  bringing  it  within 
ten  minutes  of  Hartford,  afterwards  the  Hartford,  Providence, 
and  Fishkill  Railroad  gave  another  avenue  to  Hartford,  so 
tliat  no  town  in  the  County  of  Hartford,  outside  of  the  city, 

thence  in  the  old  road  opening  the  same  two  rods  on  the  north  side  on  Ezekiel 
Atwood's  land.  6  chains  50  links,  thence  in  the  old  road  opening  the  same  two 
rods  in  width  on  Benjamin  Water's  land  7  chains  50  links  to  the  turn  of  the  road 
leading  to  Hartford,  the  old  highway  above  described  is  opened  to  four  rods  in 
width,  and  that  part  of  the  road  which  we  have  laid  on  new  ground  is  laid  the 
same  width,  and  the  line  above  described  is  in  the  centre  of  said  road.  The  Com- 
mittee then  proceeded  to  lay  out  a  piece  of  a  road  to  accommodate  the  travel 
passing  from  the  north  school  house  in  the  west  street  in  said  Newington,  and 
began  at  a  stake  and  stones  at  the  cast  fence  of  the  present  traveled  road  running 
northwardly  from  deacon  Wells's  at  a  point  making  the  line  directly  strait  with 
tlie  centre  line  of  said  road  leading  to  said  north  school  house,  and  from  thence 
continued  a  strait  line  castwardly  on  the  lands  of  Unni  Robbins  about  two  chains 
and  meeting  the  road  above  described. 

And  your  honors'  Committee  beg  leave  further  to  report  that  in  reviewing  the 
road  south  of  the  point  of  departure  above  described  between  that  and  the  meet- 
ing house  they  were  of  opinion  that  the  public  would  be  greatly  accommodated  by 
cutting  off  the  east  end  of  a  lot  of  land  belonging  to  the  said  Jemima  Welles,  and 
laying  it  open  for  a  highway,  which  lot  projects  east  so  as  to  intersect  the  whole 
width  of  the  road  north  and  south  of  said  lot,  destroying  the  beauty  of  the  situa- 
tion and  causing  much  extra  travel,  they  therefore  proceeded,  submitting  the 
question  of  its  being  within  their  commission  to  the  honorable  Court,  to  run  a 
line  beginning  at  a  stake  and  stones  in  a  line  of  the  west  fence  of  the  road  north 
of  said  lot,  and  from  thence  running  S.  3"  30"  E.  5  chains  69  links  across  said 
Jemima  Welles's  land,  which  line  will  strike  the  northwest  corner  of  the  meeting 
house,  laying  the  whole  land  lying  east  of  said  line  open  for  a  public  highway, 
taking  from  said  lot  one  acre  and  34  rods  of  land. 

And  the  Committee  have  assessed  the  damages  in  favor  of  the  proprietors  of 
tlie  land  on  which  said  road  was  laid  or  widened  as  follows,  to  wit. 

To  Wd.  Jemima  Welles  for  her  land  near  the  meeting  house,  $120. 

To  Fitch  Andrus,  ------  5. 

To  Elijah  Wells, 30. 

To  Jemima  Welles,  ------  25. 

To  Unni  Robbins,       -  -  -  -  -  -  110. 

To  Martin  Kellogg,  ......         278. 

To  Ezekiel  Atwood,    ------  20. 

To  Benjamin  Waters,       ------  S. 


$596. 
All  which  is  submitted  by  your  honors'  most  obedient  servants,  July  6th,  1807. 

Pliny  Hillyer,      ) 

Solomon  Cowles,  >  Committee  under  oath, 
Samuel  Pitkin,      ) 

The  court  accept  said  report  of  Committee  whereupon  it  is  considered  by  the 
court  that  the  highways,  as  by  said  Committee  laid  out  or  widened,  be  and  the 
same  are  established  public  highways,  and  that  the  same  be  opened  by  the  20th 
day  of  June  next,  and  that  said  town  of  Wethersfield  pay  to  the  individuals  the 
damages  assessed  to  them  by  said  Committee  in  said  report  by  the  20th  day  of 
June  next,  and  that  the  Petitioners  recover  of  said  town  of  Wethersfield,  Cost 
taxed  at  28  Dollars  13  cents. 

Execution  granted  for  said  Cost  August  22d,  1807." 

The  above  is  copied  from  the  Records  of  the  County  Court,  in  the  book  of 
records  from  August,  1803  to  December,  1809,  in  that  part  of  the  book  containing 


126 

has  greater  facilities  of  access  to  the  capital  of  the  state; 
midway  between  the  two  great  emporiums  Boston  and  New 
York,  an  hour's  ride  to  New  Haven,  it  is  an  eligible  location 
for  speedy  egress  and  ingress  and  for  quiet  residence. 

There  have  been  four  public  libraries  in  Newington,  "The 
Newington  Library,"  "The  Charity  Library,"  "The  Social 
Library,"  and  "The  Young  Men's  Library." 

1.  The  Newington  Library  is  the  most  ancient,  and  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  purchased  by  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  in 
its  early  days.  There  was  formerly  a  small  tax  levied  on 
those  who  used  the  books. 

2.  The  Charity  Library  was  a  gift  to  tlie  Society  from 
Jedediah  Doming,  as  has  already  appeared.  It  consisted  of 
religious  works  almost  entirely.  It  was  free  to  all.  The 
books  were  usually  exchanged  on  lecture  days.  Simon  Wells 
was  for  many  years  the  librarian.  Some  books  of  these  two 
libraries  still  remain. 

3.  The  Social  Library  was  of  much  later  date.  It  belonged 
to  individuals,  and  was  destroyed  by  fire  with  the  house  of  the 
late  Roger  Welles  in  October,  1855. 

4.  The  Young  Men's  Library  was  also  the  fruit  of  indi- 
vidual enterprise,  instituted  by  the  young  men  of  the  genera- 
tion of  Gen.  Martin  Kellogg  and  Capt.  Daniel  Willard.  That 
library  is  supposed  no  longer  to  exist  as  a  library.  The  books 
are  probably  dispersed  or  lost. 

When  Dr.  Brace  was  settled  there  was  in  Connecticut  a 
union  of  church  and  state.  Every  ecclesiastical  society  hav- 
ing territorial  limits  was  considered  to  be,  and  was  in  fact,  a 
municipal   and   public  corporation.      And    every  individual 

the  record  of  the  doings  of  the  County  Court  for  Hartford  County  at  the  August 
term,  1807,  Iteing  a  little  past  the  middle  of  the  book,  there  being  no  paging.  It 
is  quite  probable  that  the  green  taken  from  Mi-s.  Jemima  Welles'  land  was  to 
make  it  conform  to  the  green  opened  cast  of  the  Burying  ground  not  long  before. 
The  following  vote  which  appears  to  have  i)cen  passed  at  a  town  meeting  held 
December  26,  1798,  apparently  authorizes  the  opening  this  green. 

"  At  this  meeting  the  selectmen  who  were  appointed  in  Ai)ril  last  to  view  the 
ground  near  the  meeting  hou.se  in  the  society  of  Newington,  Reported,  that  in 
their  opinion  it  would  be  ])roper  to  lay  out  a  highway  four  rods  wide  across  the 
west  end  of  Unni  Kobbins's  lot  adjoining  the  burying  ground, — 

Voted,  that  this  meeting  do  accept  the  report. 

Voted,  that  the  selectmen  be  directed  to  view  the  road  to  Newington,  and 
to  straighten  it  by  crossing  the  corners  of  certain  lots,  which  they  are  hereby 
authorized  to  purchase  of  individuals  and  so  open  the  road." 


127 

residing  within  the  limits  of  any  such  society  was  considered 
by  the  law  as  much  a  member  of  it,  as  each  resident  of  a 
town  was  deemed  its  inhabitant.  When  the  State  Constitu- 
tion was  adopted  in  1818,  it  was  ordained  in  that  instrument 
that  every  person  then  belonging  to  any  religious  association 
should  remain  a  member  thereof  until  he  should  have  sepa- 
rated therefrom  by  leaving  a  written  notice  thereof  with  the 
clerk  of  such  society,  after  which  time  he  should  be  no  longer 
liable  for  any  future  expenses  incurred  by  such  society.  Our 
ecclesiastical  society  was  established  with  local  limits  more 
than  a  hundred  years  before  the  adoption  of  the  state  consti- 
tution, and  was  not  by  that  instrument  or  by  subsequent  leg- 
islation divested  of  its  local  character.  It  still  has  its  local 
limits  the  same  as  in  the  days  of  our  fathers.  Consequently 
all  the  residents  of  Newington,  who  have  not  formally  sepa- 
rated themselves  from  the  society,  who  were  residents  at  the 
time  of  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  in  1818,  are  now 
members  of  the  society.  The  members  of  this  class  formerly 
constituted  almost  the  entire  body  of  the  society,  but  time  has 
thinned  their  ranks,  a  few  only  are  left,  and  soon  they  too  will 
have  passed  away  forever.  The  society  consists  now  almost 
wholly  of  those  who  have  been  voted  in  as  members,  whose 
previous  voluntary  assent  thereto  would  be  implied ;  and 
those  also  who  have  accepted  office  in  the  society,  their  assent 
would  be  implied,  they  treat  themselves  as  members  and  so 
hold  themselves  out  to  the  world ;  probably  also  those  who 
vote  and  participate  in  the  meetings  of  the  society,  their  vol- 
untary association  would  be  implied.  Memberships,  being  no 
longer  coercive  but  voluntary,  must  be  determined  in  the  light 
of  these  principles. 

The  school  society  of  Newington  was  organized  as  early  as 
1797  ;  it  was  continued  as  an  organization  during  the  entire 
ministry  of  Dr.  Brace,  but  did  not  long  survive  it:  in  July, 
1856,  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  abolishing  school 
societies,  and  vesting  their  property  in  the  towns. 

As  early  as  May,  1799,  an  act  was  passed  providing — 
"  That  each  school  society  shall  have  full  power  to  divide  itself 
into  proper  and  necessary  districts,  for  keeping  their  schools." 


128 

(Rev.  Stat.  1808,  p.  581;  sec.  1.)  Under  this  authority  the 
school  society  of  Newington,  in  1835,  passed  a  vote  creating 
a  new  district,  called  the  South  East  School  District,  as 
follows : 

"  Voted,  That  there  be  a  new  district  formed  from  the 
present  South  district  in  Newington,  to  be  called  the  South- 
east district.  The  nortii  line  of  said  district  to  run  an  east 
and  west  course  from  the  Southwest  district,  ten  rods  north 
of  the  house  in  which  Reuben  Wliaplcs  now  lives ;  thence 
east  to  the  Wethersfield  line,  and  to  include  all  the  inhabi- 
tants living  south  of  said  north  line,  in  Newington  school 
society." 

This  made  the  fourth  school  district  in  Newington,  three 
having  been  previously  created  by  authority  of  the  ecclesiasti- 
cal society,  as  already  related.* 

In  1829  an  association  Avas  formed  by  twenty-five  of  the 
prominent  men  of  the  society,  called  "  the  Newington  Educa- 
tion Company,"  for  the  purpose  of  building  an  academy  for  a 

*  When  tlie  school  society  was  abolished  in  1856,  the  record  took  disap- 
peared. This  is  much  to  be  regretted,  as  it  contained  valuable  records  which 
can  not  be  replaced.  The  vote  e^ivcn  in  the  text,  however,  was  fortunately  pre- 
served, as  also  the  following  document  establishing  the  lines  between  the  socie- 
ties of  Newington  and  Worthington : 

"We,  the  school  society's  committee  of  Worthington  and  Newington,  with  the 
assistance  of  Loton  Porter,  County  Surveyor,  have  run  out  and  established 
the  lines  betwixt  said  societies  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit :  Beginning  at 
the  northwest  corner  of  David  Kclsey's  farm,  on  town  line  betwixt  Wethersfit^ld 
and  Berlin,  near  his  dwelling-house,  we  ran  a  lino  on  the  north  side  of  said 
Kelsey's  farm,  north  89^"  east,  to  a  highway,  where  we  found  a  stone  placed  in 
the  ground  betwixt  Amon  Richards  and  Oliver  Richards,  thence  continuing  the 
same  course  to  the  Hartford  and  New  Haven  turnpike,  where  we  erected  a  stone 
monument  l)etwixt  Oliver  Richards  and  Samuel  Steele,  thence  continuing  the 
same  course  (to)  the  highway  leading  from  Newington,  and  erected  a  stone  mon- 
ument, marked  on  one  side  W.  and  on  the  other  N. ;  thence  southerly  by  the  said 
last  highway  one  liundred  and  forty -one  rods  to  the  Berlin  corner. 

JOSEPH  SAVAGE,  >        Committee  for 
HENRY  BOOTH,      )  Worthinijton  Society. 
WILLIS  P.  DAVIS,  Committee  for  Neivlnr/ton. 
Dated  at  Bkrlin, 
this  6th  day  of  Nov.,  1849." 

At  a  town  meeeting  held  Nov.  4,  1856,  the  north  lino  of  the  district  was  estab- 
lished as  follows : 

"  Voted,  That  the  north  line  of  the  Soutiicast  school  district  of  Newington 
shall  commence  on  the  west,  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Amon  Richards'  home 
farm,  where  it  intersects  with  New  Britain  town  line,  and  run  easterly  on  the 
said  Richard's  north  line  to  a  highway,  thence  in  the  same  direction  on  the  line 
of  the  said  Amon  and  Oliver  Richards  to  the  jtresent  west  line  of  said  district, 
including  all  the  property  south  of  the  above  described  line  not  included  in  other 
districts. " 


129 

school  of  a  "  higher  order  "  than  the  district  schools.  Tlie 
building  was  erected,  and  a  school  flourished  there  for  a 
quarter  of  a  century.  It  was  the  means  of  giving  a  higher 
education  to  many  who  would  otherwise  have  finished  their 
studies  at  the  common  schools.  Nothing  has  since  taken  its 
place.  The  enterprise  being  a  wholly  private  one,  and  the 
children  of  those  who  started  the  enterprise  having  been 
educated,  the  school  was  dropped,  and  the  building  has  been 
suffered  to  go  to  decay.* 


EXTRACTS  FROM  SOCIETY  RECORDS. 

At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  2,  1805,  "Voted,  That  this  society  agree  to 
have  the  burying  ground  fenced  with  stone  that  are  at  present  there,  with 
posts  and  two  boards  above  nailed  on  the  sides  of  the  posts,  with  a  gate 
upon  the  north  side." 

At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  3,  1806,  "  Voted,  That  no  vote  hereafter  taken 
in  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  Newington  after  sunset  shall  be  considered 
as  legal  unless  by  a  special  vote  to  the  contrary." 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  empowered  to  appoint  a  sexton 
yearly  for  this  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  5,  1808,  "  Voted,  To  allow  Mr.  Brace  $100  out 
of  the  interest  of  the  public  money  belonging  to  this  society  for  one  year 
only,  in  addition  to  his  stated  salary." 

"  Voted,  To  allow  Mr.  Brace  $24  in  lieu  of  fetching  his  wood  the  ensu- 
ing year." 

At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  29,  1808,  "Voted,  That  this  society  appoint  a 
special  committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Brace  on  account  of  his  salary." 
"  Voted,  That  Dea.  James  Wells,  Col.  Levi  Lusk,  Major  Justus  Francis, 

♦The  Newington  Education  Company,  at  a  meeting  held  January  6,  1829, 
adopted  a  constitution,  beginning  as  follows :  "  We,  the  subscribers,  believing 
that  a  school  of  a  higher  order  will  be  beneficial  to  the  youth  of  this  place,  do 
agree  to  associate  ourselves  into  a  company  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  suitable 
building  for  this  purpose."  The  sum  of  five  dollars  constituted  a  share,  Martin 
Kellogg,  Jeremiah  Seymour,  and  Dositheus  Hubbard  were  appointed  a  building 
committee.  The  annual  meeting  was  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  September. 
The  officers  were  a  chairman,  clerk,  treasurer,  collector,  and  three  trustees.  The 
duty  of  the  trustees  was  to  employ  the  teacher,  and,  with  the  chairman,  to  con- 
stitute a  visiting  committee.  The  first  officers  were.  Gen.  M.  KellogG-,  chairman  ; 
William  Deming,  clerk;  Dositheus  Hubbard,  treasurer;  Daniel  Willard,  Joseph 
Camp,  and  Roger  Welles,  trustees.  The  stockholders,  with  the  amounts  of 
money  they  subscribed,  are  as  follows:  Martin  Kellogg,  $45;  Mary  Kellogg, 
$10;  Electa  Whittlesey,  $10;  Laura  Whittlesey,  $5 ;  Erastus  Francis,  $10; 
Lathrop  Richardson,  $5;  Daniel  Willard,  $22.75 ;  Joseph  Camp,  $15;  Elisha 
Stoddard,  $5  ;  Simeon  Stoddard,  $5  ;  Allen  Stoddard,  $13;  Jeremiah  Seymour, 
$25;  Josiah  W.  Griswould,  $12;  Roger  Welles,  $22.75;  Dositheus  Hubbard, 
$11;  William  Deming,  $13;  Jedediah  Deming,  $2.50;  Elisha  Whaples,  Jr.,  $11 ; 
Origin  Wells,  $5  ;  Catherine  Wells,  $5  ;  James  Churchill,  $5  ;  Ralph  Wells,  $5; 
Charles  Hubbard,  $5  ;  David  Hunn,  $5  ;  Josiah  Atwood,  $5. 

The  last  meeting  recorded  was  held  in  November,  1854, 

17 


180 

Dea.  Daniel  Willard,  Timothy  Stanley,  Hezekiah  Belden,  Esq.,  Asaph 
Whittlesey,  Martin  Kellogg,  .Tun.,  and  Capt.  Jonathan  Stoddard,  Jua.,  be 
appointed  a  committee  for  that  purpose." 

To  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  Newinglon  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brace  upon  the 
subject  of  his  request  made  to  them  at  their  last  meeting,  beg  leave  to 
report.  That  agreeably  to  their  appointment  they  have  waited  upon  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Brace  and  conferred  with  him  upon  the  subject  of  bis  request 
that  the  society  should  join  with  him  in  the  call  of  a  Council  to  dissolve 
his  relation  as  pastor  over  them.  That  your  committee  find  upon  enquiry 
that  Mr.  Brace  has  no  other  reason  operating  upon  his  mind  in  assigning 
this  except  the  want  of  an  adequate  and  decent  support,  and  that  he  was 
fearful,  (judging  from  the  uneasiness  expressed  by  some  with  the  late  vote 
adding  a' hundred  dollars  to  his  salary  for  the  current  year,)  that  if  he 
should  make  known  the  sum  Avhich  he  sliould  think  a  sufficient  salary, 
although  it  might  be  voted,  yet  that  it  would  cause  so  much  dissatisfaction 
that  it  might  tend  to  divide  and  lessen  the  Society,  which,  in  its  present 
undivided  situation,  is  not  large,  that  he  thought  it  his  duty  rather  to 
leave  than  by  asking  for  an  addition  to  his  salary  to  be  the  cause  of  divid- 
ing the  people. 

Your  committee  further  report,  that  they  conferred  with  Mr.  Brace  re- 
specting the  sum  which  he  should  think  an  adequate  and  honorable  com- 
pensation for  his  services,  and  which  if  granted  as  a  permanent  salary 
would  be  satisfactory,  and  that  the  sum  named  by  him  as  such  was  five 
hundred  dollars,  and  fifteen  cords  of  wood.  Your  committee  further 
report,  that  by  an  estimate  made  by  them  of  the  expense  of  maintaining 
a  family  in  the  decent  and  respectable  manner  in  which  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel  is  entitled  to  live,  the  expense  falls  very  little  short  of  the  sum 
proposed  by  Mr.  Brace,  and  this  without  allowing  anything  for  sickness  in 
the  family,  or  for  incidental  expenses  for  journeying  or  for  the  purchase 
of  books.  Your  committee  grant  that  this  calculation  is  theory- merely, 
and  that  a  single  fact  is  worth  a  thousand  paper  calculations,  they  there- 
fore requested  Mr.  Brace  to  keep  an  accurate  account  of  all  his  expend- 
itures for  the  current  year,  to  be  exhibited  to  a  committee  appointed  to 
examine  it  at  the  close  of  the  year ;  to  this  Mr.  Brace  cheerfully  assented. 
Your  committee  report  further,  that  Mr.  Brace  accepts  the  salary  voted 
him  for  the  current  year,  but  expects  if  he  continues  your  minister,  that 
the  salary  above  named  of  five  hundred  dollars  and  fifteen  cords  of  wood 
yearly  will  be  granted  him  as  his  permanent  salary. 
All  which  is  submitted. 

Levi  Lusk,  Justus  Francis,  Daniel  Willard,  Timothy  Stanley,  Jun., 
Martin  Kellogg,  Jun.,  Hezekiah  Belden,  Jonathan  Stoddard,  Jun.,  Asaph 
Whittlesey — Special  Committee. 

At  a  meeting  held  January  9,  1809,  "  Voted,  Tliat  this  society  accept 
of  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Brace  on 
account  of  his  salary." 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  appointed  to  receive  the  ac- 
count of  Mr.  Brace's  expenses  for  the  current  year,  and  make  report  to 
the  next  annual  meeting." 

"  To  the  Prudential  Committee  of  Newington,  a  parish  of  Wethersfield, 
Gentlemen. 

You  are  hereby  requested  to  warn,  according  to  law,  the  Ecclesiastical 
Society  of  Newington  to  meet  forthwith  that  they  may  choose  one  of  these 
two  alternatives,  viz :  either  to  render  permanent  the  sum  stated  in  the 
report  of  their  special  committee  in  the  last  society  meeting,  as  the  salary 


131 

of  Joab  Brace,  or  to  comply  with  his  request  made  sometime  in  December 
last  to  be  dismissed  from  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  church  and  people  in 
said  parish,  and  further  to  transact  whatever  business  may  be  brought  be- 
fore the  meeting.  Signed,  JOAB  BRACE,  Pastor. 
Newington,  March  29th,  1809." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  4,  1809,  "  Voted,  That  this  society  waive,  for 
the  present,  the  alternative  contained  in  the  report  of  their  select  commit- 
tee, (but  which  may  if  necessary  be  taken  up  afterwards,)  and  attend  to 
Mr.  Brace's  third  proposal."  "  Voted,  That  this  society  give  Mr.  Joab 
Brace  five  hundred  dollars  a  year  as  a  permanent  salary  so  long  as  he 
continues  to  officiate  with  us  in  the  Ministry  of  the  Gospel." 

"Wethersfield,  April  12th,  1809. 
"Whereas  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Newington  did  in  their  last 
meeting,  by  a  very  unanimous  vote,  make  an  offer  to  me  of  five  hundred 
dollars  as  a  permanent  salary  during  my  ministerial  labors  with  them,  and 
whereas  divers  individuals  did  very  generously  oflfer  their  assistance  in  the 
article  of  wood,  these  are  therefore  to  show  that  withdrawing  my  motion 
for  a  dismission,  I  accept  the  offer  and  ratify  the  stipulation. 

JOAB  BRACE." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  7,  1810,  "  Voted,  To  appoint  a  committee 
to  draw  a  petition  to  present  to  the  next  town  meeting  for  liberty  to  sell 
lands  belonj^ing  to  the  highways  in  this  society,  to  raise  a  fund,  the  annual 
interest  of  which  shall  be  appropriated  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  in 
this  society."*  "  Voted,  That  Levi  Lusk,  Hezekiah  Belden,  and  Martin 
Kellogg,  Jr.,  be  a  committee  for  said  purpose." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  .S,  1810,  "  Voted,  That  the  annual  meeting 
of  this  society  shall  be  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  November  instead  of 
the  first  Monday  in  December." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  2,  1811,  "  Voted,  That  the  trustees  of  the 
public  moneys  belonging  to  this  society  be  directed  to  call  in  the  same  as 
soon  as  convenient,  also  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  Loan  Office  of  the 
United  States,  and  to  vest  the  whole  in  bank  stock  in  the  Hartford  Bank." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  20,  1815,  "  Voted,  That  the  society  do 
agree  to  paint  the  meeting  house  as  far  as  has  been  painted  before,  and 
that  Amos  Andrus  and  Roger  Welles  be  a  committee  to  purchase  oil, 
paints,  &c.,  also  engage  some  suitable  person  to  do  the  work  and  superin- 
tend the  painting,  "  Voted,  That  this  society  lay  a  tax  of  one  cent  on  the 
dollar  on  the  list  of  1815,  for  the  above  purpose,  also  that  the  committee 
be  directed  to  borrow  a  sum  sufficient  to  complete  the  painting  of  the 
meeting  house  if  the  tax  should  be  insufficient.  "  Voted,  That  in  future 
when  a  society  meeting  is  to  be  warned  the  Society  Committee  shall  put 
notifications  on  the  several  school  houses." 

"  Voted,  That  the  Society's  Committee  be  directed  to  purchase  a  pall  for 
this  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  3,  1817,  "  Voted,  That  the  trustee  call  in 
the  amount  of  the  notes  he  now  holds  against  individuals  by  the  first  of 
March  next,  and  deposit  the  same  in  the  Phoenix  Bank,  also  that  he  receive 
and  deposit  in  the  same  bank  the  money  to  be  received  from  the  Treasurer 
of  the  State  of  Connecticut  on  account  of  the  Appropriation  act." 

*At  a  town  meeting  held  December  .31,  1810,  "The  petition  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  society  of  Newington  praying  for  a  grant  of  the  highways  that  may  be 
sold  ill  said  society  was  read,  and  upon  the  question  whether  this  meeting  will  do 
anything  upon  the  petition,  it  passed  in  the  negative." 


182 

At  a  meeting  held  November  1,  1819,  "  Voted,  That  this  meeting  take 
measures  to  sell  the  pews  in  the  meeting  house  to  pay  the  expenses  of  this 
society  the  year  ensuing,  provided  a  sum  of  four  hundred  dollars  or  more 
be  raised  from  the  sale  of  the  pews,  these  sales  to  be  valid,  if  not,  to  be 
null  and  void." 

"  Voted,  That  Levi  Deming,  Origen  Wells,  Gen.  Martin  Kellogg,  Jr., 
Elisha  Stoddard,  Joseph  Camp,  Gen.  Levi  Lusk,  and  Uzziel  Lattimer  be 
a  committee  to  obtain  information  and  devise  the  best  method  of  carrying 
into  effect  the  above  vote  respecting  the  selling  of  the  pews  in  the  meeting 
house,  &c.,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  16,  1819,  "  Voted,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  as  amended  be  accepted." 

"  Report  of  Committee, 
To  the  members  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Newington.     Gentlemen. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  the  most  probable  means  of  carrying 
into  effect  a  vote  of  this  meeting  (society  ?)  for  a  sale  of  the  pews  in  the 
meeting  house,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  the  support  of  the 
Gospel  in  this  place  respectfully  report, 

That  after  having  attentively  examined  the  subject,  and  having  taken 
advantage  of  such  information  as  they  could  obtain  from  other  places 
where  similar  measures  have  been  pursued  for  similar  purposes,  they  at 
an   adjourned   meeting   unanimously    adopted   the  following  resolutions. 

(1)  Voted,  That  the  23d  day  of  November  instant  be  recommended  to  be 
appointed  for  the  commencement  of  the  sales,  at  9  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  to 
be  continued  by  adjournment  if  necessary  until  the  business  be  completed, 
and  that  the  pews  be  set  up  by  pews  and  struck  off  to  the  highest  bidder, 
and  the  person  or  persons  who  purchase  them  shall  hold  them  for  one  year 
from  the  1st  day  of  December  next. 

(2)  Voted,  That  every  such  person  or  persons  who  shall  purchase  a 
pew  shall  be  required  to  execute  his  or  their  note  payable  to  the  society's 
treasurer  or  his  order  in  6  months  from  the  first  day  of  February  next, 
with  interest  after  nine  months. 

(3)  Voted,  That  this  Committee  recommend  to  reserve  the  Northeast 
and  Southeast  corner  pews  and  not  offer  them  for  sale,  also  a  pew  or  share 
of  a  pew,  such  as  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brace  shall  choose  for  the  accommodation 
of  his  family. 

(4)  Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  appoint  an  auctioneer  and  clerk 
to  transact  the  business  respecting  the  sales,  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  auctioneer  to  expose  the  pews  for  sale,  and  when  sold  he  shall  inform 
the  Clerk  to  whom  they  belong,  and  the  price  for  which  they  are  sold : 
that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  to  provide  himself  with  a  suitable 
number  of  blank  notes  which  he  shall  fill  up  with  the  amount  and  require 
them  to  be  signed  by  the  purchaser. 

(5)  Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  offer  two  or  three  pews  for  sale 
in  the  south  gallery,  and  also  the  high  pew  in  the  gallery,  on  the  same 
terms  as  those  on  the  lower  floor. 

Your  couimittee  would  beg  leave  further  to  remark  that  it  is  a  duty 
incumbent  on  every  citizen  to  do  something  in  support  of  the  institutions 
of  religion,  that  in  addition  to  the  weighty  concerns  of  Paternity  and  the 
solemnities  of  an  hereafter,  the  advantages  resulting  from  these  institutions 
are  not  trifling,  for  should  they  be  suflered  to  fall,  our  respectability  as  a 
people  would  dwindle  to  insignificance  and  contempt,  that  by  it  the  value 
of  property  is  enhanced,  that  it  contributes  to  order,  peace,  and  good 
regulations'  in  society,  promotes  cleanliness  in  our  persons  and  apparel, 
points  us  to  the  paths  of  virtue  and  morality,  restrains  the  licentious  and 


133 

profane,  adds  weight  to  parental  authority,  recommends  our  youth  to  the 
passing  stranger  and  the  wayfaring  man,  and  nerves  the  arm  of  govern- 
ment without  which  our  persons  and  our  families  would  be  insecure. 

Your  committee  further  believe  that  the  time  has  come  when  those  who 
are  determined  to  support  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  (whatever  means 
are  taken  for  the  purpose,)  must  make  greater  exertions  than  they  have 
hitherto  been  required  to  do,  that  the  votes  of  your  last  meeting  demon- 
strated the  impracticability  of  raising  funds  sufficient  by  a  tax,'  and  that 
they  know  no  other  way  so  likely  to  succeed  as  that  which  you  have 
adopted. 

Your  committee  are  aware  that  some  of  your  most  respectable  and 
worthy  citizens,  fearful  of  the  consequences  of  innovations,  would  have 
preferred  the  ancient  mode  of  raising  their  necessary  funds  by  a  tax  on 
property,  yet,  as  all  communities  must  be  governed  by  a  majority  of  such 
community,  and  when  they  reflect  on  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  taxation, 
it  is  believed  they  will  support  the  measures  which  the  majority  have 
adopted.  There  are  others  alike  respectable,  who  conscientiously  believe 
that  coercive  measures  in  matters  of  religion  are  not  warranted  by  scrip- 
tural precepts,  to  such  there  is  now  an  opportunity  for  the  exercise  of  that 
liberality  ibr  which  they  are  accountable  to  none  but  their  conscience  and 
their  God. 

With  regard  to  the  pews,  there  is  undoubtedly  a  choice,  fancy  will 
prefer  one  seat  to  that  of  another,  but  the  liberal  contributor  will  be  actu- 
ated by  higher  motives,  he  will  doubtless  reflect  that  the  primary  object  is 
to  support  the  everlasting  gospel.     All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 
By  order  of  your  committee 

LEVI  LUSK,  Chairman. 

At  a  meeting  held  November  6,  1820,  "  Voted,  That  the  clerk  of  this 
society  be  requested  to  make  an  estimate  of  the  sum  neceesary  to  raise  to 
complete  the  Rev.  Joab  Brace's  salary,  after  deducting  the  amount  arising 
from  the  sale  of  the  pews  the  last  year,  and  make  report  to  this  or  a  future 
meeting." 

"  Voted,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  converse  with  Mr.  Brace, 
and  see  if  he  will  be  willing  to  relinquish  a  part  of  his  salary." 

"  Voted,  That  Amos  Andrus  be  a  committee  to  converse  with  Mr.  Brace 
as  above." 

"  Communication  fj-om  the  Rev.  Jodb  Brace. 
Moderator  and  Brethren. 

Solicitude  for  your  welfare  and  desire  for  the  prosperity  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ  in  your  salvation,  induce  me  to  do  whatever  I  can  for  your  relief 
and  encouragement  in  maintaining  the  institutions  of  divine  worship.  I 
am  in  debt  about  twelve  hundred  dollars,  and  of  course  pay  a  heavy  inter- 
est. I  have  already  anticipated  and  expended  about  three-fifths  of  my 
salary  for  the  year  which  is  to  end  on  the  first  of  December  next,  and 
must  therefore  run  into  another  year  for  the  current  expenses  of  the  pass- 
ing year.  The  expenses  of  my  family  have  been  every  year  much  more 
than  my  salary,  which  I  have  supplied  by  other  means.  But  my  brethren 
and  my  beloved  people,  /  seek  not  yours,  but  you,  therefore,  notwithstanding 
all  these  things,  I  will  make  a  sacrifice  for  your  accommodation.  I  know 
you  are  far  from  being  a  poor  people,  yet  I  consider  the  difficulties  of  the 
time,  and  1  propose  to  make  an  abatement  in  your  favor,  and  of  my  own 
accord  I  do  hereby  relinquish  fifty  dollars  for  one  year,  viz.,  the  ecclesias- 
tical year,  to  commence  on  the  first  Monday  of  December  next,  and 
accordingly  do  authorize  you  to  record  this  communication  as  a  testimony 
of  such  abatement  of  my  salary  for  the  said  year.     Imploring  the  blessing 


134 

of  God  upon  your  present  meeting  and  upon  all  your  best  interests,  and 
wishing  that  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  may  ever  abide  with  you,  I  subscribe 
myself,  Yours  with  sincere  afi'ection, 

J.  Bkace.* 
Newington,  November  23d,  1820. 

At  a  meeting  held  February  19,  1821,  "The  will  of  Rosanna  Deming 
being  read,  On  motion,  Voted,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
converse  with  Mr.  Hubbard,  to  see  if  any  and  what  arrangements  can  be 
made  concerning  the  will  of  Rosanna  Deming,  and  report  at  the  next 
meeting.!  Voted,  That  Absalom  Wells,  Amos  Andrus,  and  Joseph  Camp 
be  the  committee  according  to  the  above  vote." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  26,  1821,  "The  committee  appointed  the 
last  meeting  reported  that  they  had  called  on  Mr.  Hubbard  to  consult  with 
him  on  the  business  of  their  appointment,  but  were  unable  to  make  any 
arrangement  with  him  whatever." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  23,  1821.  "  The  following  statement  was  made 
to  the  meeting  by  Gen.  Lusk,  and  voted. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Newington,  being  legally 
warned  and  holden  on  the  23d  day  of  April,  1821,  for  the  purpose  of 
taking  into  consideration  the  subject  of  a  donation  purporting  to  be  given 
partially  or  indirectly  to  said  society  by  the  last  will  and  testament  of 
Rosann  I  Deming,  late  of  Wethersfield,  deceased. 

Having  duly  considered  and  examined  into  the  case,  we  believe  it  is 
just  and  commendable,. — that  persons  have  an  unquestionable  right — to 
give  and  bequeath  donations  for  charitable  or  public  uses  where  it  may  be 
done  legally  and  without  injuring  the  lawful  heirs,  and  none  (more)  laud- 
able than  that  of  encouraging  and  supporting  the  preached  gospel  in  reg- 
ular established  societies,  which  we  are  zealous  ever  to  support  in  a  legal 
and  christian  manner,  and  shall  ever  be  grateful  to  any  who  may- be 

*  This  communication  was  presented  to  an  adjourned  society  meeting  held 
November  23,  1820. 

t  Rosanna  Deming  died  January  27,  1821,  aged  73;  she  by  her  last  will  and 
testament,  bequeathed  to  Laura  Dillings,  her  wearing  apparel  and  household  fur- 
niture, and  a  horse  and  three  acres  of  land  on  the  East  side  of  the  way,  also — 

"Item.  Eight  acres  of  land  on  the  west  side  of  the  way,  with  the  house  and 
barn  thereon,  to  be  at  her  use  during  her  life,  then  to  revert  to  the  use  of  the 
ministry,  with  the  other  land  as  hereinafter  directed. 

"  Item.  One  acre  of  wood  land  in  the  Birlden  lot  to  be  hers  as  in  the  last 
article. 

"Item.     One  cow  to  be  at  her  use  and  disposal. 

"  Item.  I  give  and  ijequcath  unto  Hcv.  Joab  Brace  my  other  creatures  and  the 
farming  materials,  to  ho  at  his  own  proper  use  and  disposal. 

"  Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  Newington,  all 
my  other  lands  to  remain  as  they  are,  the  avails  of  them  to  be  fjiven  to  the  Pres- 
byterian or  Congregational  minister  of  said  society  as  a  perquisite,  aside  from  his 
stipulated  salary,  forever." 

Executed  October  2,  1809. 

"  Inventory  of  the  estate  of  Rosanna  Deming,  deceased,  taken  by  the  subscri- 
bers, March  7,  1821. 

Amount  of  personal  property,  per  Inventory,  -  -  -  -        $170  82 

House  $25.     Barn  $100.     39  Acres,  home  lot,  at  $38,  $1482,  =  $1,607.00 

43  acres  cast  side  liighway  at  $28,  7  do.  Belden  Lot,  $50. — $350  =  $1,554.00 
6  acres  ledge  lot  at  $30,  ......        $180.00 


$3,511.82 
Martin  Kellogg,  Jr.,  /  a  „_-„:„„ 
Roger  Welles,  J  Appraisers. 


136 

disposed  to  contribute  to  aid  us  in  the  important  work ;  but  finding  in  the 
present  case  now  in  question  that  there  appears  many  embarrassments  in 
accepting  and  supporting  the  donation  alluded  to,  however  pure  the  motive 
of  the  donor  might  be,  we  with  regret  are  under  the  necessity  of  declining 
the  acceptance  of  the  donation,  for  the  following  reasons. 

It  is  believed  that  through  age  and  infirmity  of  body  and  mind  she  did 
not  duly  consider  the  natural  obligation  she  was  under  to  her  nephew,  the 
only  heir  by  law,  who  has  ever  lent  her  all  the  possible  aid  and  assistance 
in  his  power  to  render  her  life  comfortable  in  her  declining  years,*  who  is 
by  said  will  wholly  cut  off  from  any  share  in  the  property  which  in  justice 
would  and  ought  to  have  descended  to  him  as  the  only  natural  heir  of  his 
grandfather. 

Under  all  these  circumstances  we  are  led  to  believe  that  it  is  for  the 
interest  of  the  society,  and  will  most  conduce  to  the  harmony  among  the 
people  in  said  society,  to  relinquish  all  claims  by  virtue  of  said  will,  so  far 
as  this  society  is  concerned  as  a  corporate  body.  Believing  that  by 
attempting  to  support  a  claim  by  virtue  of  said  will  we  shall  be  embar- 
rassed in  many  expensive  and  vexatious  law-suits,  which  will  tend  to  dis- 
unite the  people  in  said  society. 

Therefore  we  consider  that  it  is  for  the  interest  of  the  society,  and 
strictly  just  to  the  heir  in  law.  that  we,  as  the  society,  should  relinquish 
all  claim,  as,  in  the  capacity  of  the  society  of  Newington,  we  might  claim 
by  virtue  of  said  will.  And  it  is  our  wish  that  the  property  may  be  vested 
in  the  hands  of  the  heir  in  law,  and  we  will  trust  to  his  liberality  to  make 
such  donation  to  said  society  as  he  may  think  proper  for  the  support  of 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  said  society,  believing  that  he  will  so  fVir 
carry  the  views  and  wishes  of  his  deceased  aunt  into  execution,  as  will 
satisfy  the  feelings  of  the  people  in  said  society,  and  will  still  remain  a 
useful  member  in  said  society  as  he  ever  has  been." 

"  Voted,  That  the  foregoing  vote  be  binding  on  the  society,  if  Mr. 
Leonard  C.  Hubbard  will  give,  or  be  obligated  to  pay  to  this  society,  the 
sum  of  500  dollars."  f 

At  a  meeting  held  November  11,  1822,  "  Voted,  That  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  the  sum  of  400  dollars  to  defray  the  expenses  of  this  society  the 
year  ensuing,  a  committee  be  appointed  to  receive  subscriptions,  and  if 
the  sums  amount  to  400  dollars  the  clerk  shall  request  the  subscribers  to 
give  their  note  to  the  treasurer,  payable  in  six  months  from  date  and  on 
interest  after  nine  months.  After  the  notes  are  executed,  as  many  as  wish 
to  sit  in  one  pew  shall  inform  the  clerk,  who  shall  find  the  amount  of  their 
subscriptions,  and  the  company  whose  subscription  shall  exceed  that  of 
any  other  shall  have  the  first  choice  of  the  pews,  and  the  next  highest  the 
second,  and  so  on  till  all  are  supplied  with  seats. 

In  case  two  or  more  companies  are  equal  in  their  subscriptions  the 
choice  shall  belong  to  the  one  who  shall  raise  his  more  than  the  other,  or 
the  choice  may  be  determined  by  lot.  The  pews  to  be  taken  possession 
of  and  to  be  held  one  year  from  the  first  day  of  December  next." 

"  Voted,  That  Roger  Welles,  Jedediah  Deming,  Josiah  W.  Griswold, 
Lester  Luce,  William  Wells,  Allen  Stoddard,  and  Martin  Robbins  be  a 
committee  to  receive  subscriptions." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  26,  1822,  "  The  sum  of  400  dollars  having 
been  raised  by  subscription,  the  members  of  this  society  proceeded  to  class 
themselves  and  choose  their  pews,  according  to  the  vote  of  a  former  meet- 
ing. 

*  The  will  was  executed  twelve  years  before  her  death,  when  she  was  about  60 
years  of  age. 
tMr.  Hubbard  gave  his  note  to  the  Society  for  8500. 


186 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  10, 1824,  "  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Amos  Andrus* 
Daniel  ,Willard  and  Lowrey  Robbins  be  a  committee  to  devise  tocethe'' 
upon  the  best  method  of  raising  the  sum  necessary  to  meet  the  expense^ 
of  this  society  the  ensuing  year,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  18,  1824,  "Report  of  a  committee  appointed 
the  last  meeting  to  devise  some  plan,  &c.,  received  and  acted  upon. 

RKPORT. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  society  to  devise  a  plan  to  raise  the 
sum  of  375  dollars,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  society  the  ensuing  year, 
having  investigated  the  subject  according  to  the  best  of  their  abilities, 
and  availed  themselves  of  such  information  and  advice  as  they  have  had 
opportunity  to  obtain,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  report. 

Although  no  plan  has  been  suggested  to  your  committee  entirely  free 
from  objection,  the  following  measures  appear  to  them  the  best  adapted 
to  accomplish  the  desired  object.  Let  the  pews  in  the  meeting  house  be 
sold  at  auction  for  one  year,  the  highest  bidder  being  entitled  to  a  choice 
of  pews,  with  one  exception,  viz.,  that  when  the  purchaser  has  chosen  his 
pew  the  auctioneer  shall  make  known  to  the  meeting  which  pew  has  been 
chosen,  and  shall  proceed  to  offer  said  pew  for  sale  to  any  person  or  com- 
pany who  will  bid  more,  and  if  no  person  shall  offer  more  for  the  pew,  it 
shall  belong  to  the  person  or  company  to  whom  it  was  struck  off;  and 
when  two  or  more  persons  shiU  purchase  the  same  pew  they  shall  inform 
the  clerk  of  the  meeting  of  the  names  and  the  sum  each  individual  is  to 
pay  for  the  pew.  If  a  less  sum  than  375  dollars  should  be  raised  from  the 
sale  of  the  pews,  your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  deficiency  be 
made  up  by  a  tax  on  the  property  of  such  persons  as  are  willing  to  be 
taxed  for  thai  purpose. 

It  is  further  recommended  that  a  committee  of  three,  that  is,  one  in 
each  district,  be  appointed  to  inquire  of  all  the  persons  who  are  possessed 
of  taxable  property,  whether  they  will  or  will  not  be  taxed  to  make  up  said 
deficiency,  then  the  committee  shall  proceed  to  find  the  amount  bid  for  pews 
by  those  persons  who  did  not  consent  to  be  taxed,  which  sum  shall  be 
deducted  from  the  375  dollars,  and  the  remaining  part  shall  be  the  sum  to 
be  raised  by  a  tax  on  the  property  of  tbose  persons  who  give  their  consent 
to  be  taxed,  and  whatever  sum  any  person  has  bid  for  his  pew  shall  be 
applied  towards  the  payment  of  his  tax. 

The  above  report  is  respectfully  submitted, 

(Signed)  AMOS  ANDRUS, 

DANIEL  WILLARD, 
LOWREY  ROBBINS. 

"  Voted,  That  Roger  Welles,  Allen  Stoddard,  and  Jedediah  Deming,  be 
a  committee  to  obtain  the  names  of  those  who  are  willing  to  be  taxed." 

"  Voted,  That  the  pews  in  the  meeting  house  be  sold  according  to  a 
report  of  a  committee,  on  the  24th  of  instant  Nov.,  at  1  o'clock  P.  M." 

"  Voted,  That  Gen.  Martin  Kellogg  be  auctioneer  on  the  day  of  the 
sale  of  the  pews." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  3d,  1826,  "  Voted,  That  this  society  receive  with 
"•ratitude  the  very  generous  donation  lately  made  them  by  Mr.  Amos 
Andrus,  deceased,  and  comply  with  the  requisitions  of  his  will."* 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  directed  to  borrow  400  dollars, 
and  that  they  pay  to  Mrs.  Lydia,  the  wife  of  Horace  Goodwin,  300  dollars, 

*  Amos  Andrus  died  Feb.  21,  1826,  he  was  treasurer  of  the  society  at  the 
time,  the  vacancy  was  supplied  at  this  meetinf?  by  the  election  of  Roger  Welles  to 
that  office,  who  was  annually  re-appointed  till  ho  resigned  in  1845,  when  John  M. 
Belden  was  appointed,  who  was  continued  till  1873. 


137 

and  to  Mrs.  Hannah,  the  wife  of  Phineas  Hurlbut,  100  dollars,  and  take 
receipts  therefor  as  a  legacy  from  Mr.  Amos  Antlrus  deceased." 

"  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Levi  Deming,  Martin  Kellogg,  Jr.,  and  Joseph 
Camp,  be  appointed  to  superintend  the  erecting  a  fence  to  enclose  a  piece 
of  wood  land  lately  given  to  this  society  by  Mr.  Amos  Andrus  deceased, 
and  to  see  that  it  is  kept  in  repair."  * 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  6,  1827,  Voted,  Tliat  the  society's  committee 
with  the  agent  be  directed  to  devise  some  plan  for  the  payment  of  the 
debts  the  society  owes,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  20,1827.  The  committee  presented  the  follow- 
ing report. 

"  The  committee  appointed  by  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Newington 
to  devise  measures  for  the  extinguishment  of  said  society's  debts  beg  leave 
to  report.  That  they  have  examined  the  wood  lot  belonging  to  the  soci- 
ety, to  ascertain  whether  it  would  be  policy  to  sell  the  wood  to  p;iy  said 
debts,  and  they  find  that  most  of  the  wood  is  thrifty  growing  timber. 
There  is  about  two  acres  at  the  east  end  of  said  lot  that  is  rather  on  the 
decay,  your  committee  would  recommend  to  have  sold  as  soon  as  it  can  be 
disposed  of  to  advantage.  There  are  a  few  trees  about  the  woods  that 
are  growing  worse,  they  think  it  best  to  sell,  and  the  money  applied  to 
extinguish  said  debt.  They  would  also  recommend  that  all  the  avails  of 
the  land  over  one  hundred  dollars  a  year  be  applied  for  the  same  purpose, 
and  that  whenever  the  sale  of  wood  and  the  extra  avails  of  the  land  shall 
not  amount  to  one  hundred  dollars,  there  be  taken  from  the  avails  so 
much  as  shall  enable  the  society  to  pay  100  dollars  a  year  until  they  shall 
extinguish  their  debt." 

"  Voted,  That  the  report  of  a  committee  appointed  the  last  meeting  to 
to  devise  some  plan  for  the  extinguishment  of  the  debts  of  this  society  be 
accepted." 

"  Voted,  Mr.  Uzziel  Lattimer,  with  the  agent,  be  appointed  to  dispose 
of  the  wood,  according  to  the  report  of  a  committeee  in  the  best  manner 
they  can. 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  4,  1828,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee 

Extract  from  will  of  Amos  Andrus. 

*"Item  5th,  I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Ecclesiastical  society  of  Newington  in 
connection  with  the  Congregational  Church  of  the  Calvini?tic  or  orthodox  sen- 
timents, a  farm  situate  in  said  town  of  Wethersfield,  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Wright  lot,  together  with  a  piece  of  land  containing  about  four  acres  situate  at 
the  east  end  of  said  Wright  farm,  the  rent  of  which,  if  unsold,  to  be  appropri- 
ated to  the  use  and  benefit  of  said  society,  either  in  building  or  repairing  a  place 
for  the  worship  of  God,  or  for  the  sup[X)rt  of  the  gospel.  And  provided  that 
three  fourths  of  the  members  of  said  society  shall  be  in  favor  of  selling  said  pro- 
perty, the  avails  shall  be  added  to  the  funds  of  said  society,  and  the  interest  only 
be  appropriated  to  the  above  said  objects.  And  also  I  give  and  bequeath  to  said 
ecclesiastical  society  one  piece  of  land  situate  in  said  town,  known  by  the  name 
of  Vexation  lot,  containing  about  forty-two  acres,  partly  wood  land  and  partly 
clear,  on  the  following  conditions,  to  wit :  that  said  society  enclose  the  wood  land 
within  fifteen  months  from  and  after  the  day  in  which  the  society  shall  be  put  in 
possession  of  said  lot,  and  ever  keep  it  enclosed  under  the  inspection  of  a  com- 
mittee appointed  for  that  purpose.  And  that  said  society  pay  to  my  sister  Lydia 
Goodwin  three  hundred  dollars,  and  to  my  sister  Hannah  Hurlbut  one  hundred 
dollars.  If  the  said  society  comply  with  the  above  mentioned  conditions,  the 
said  lot  is  to  be  for  their  use  with  liberty  to  sell  the  clear  land  if  three  fourths  of 
said  s'jcicty  judge  best.  If  said  society  do  not  comply  with  said  terms  then  the 
land  will  revert  to  my  heirs  according  to  law." 

Executed  Feb.  20,  1826.  His  estate  was  appraised  March  8,  1826,  at  $11,- 
938.43. 

18 


138 

be  authorized  to  receive  proposals  from  some  persons  for  ringing  the  bell 
and  to  officiate  as  sexton  the  year  ensuing."  * 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  21, '1828,  "  Voter/,  That  William  Deming  and 
Dositheus  Hubbard  be  a  committee  to  settle  with  Mr.  Roger  Welles,  an 
agent  appointed  to  purchase  a  bell,  and  apply  the  balance  if  there  may 
be  any  to  repairs  and  ringing  the  bell  as  they  think  best.f 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  directed  to  eujploy  some  suita- 
ble person  to  ring  the  bell  the  year  ensuing  at  12  o'clock  and  at  9,  and  on 
the  Sabbath. 

"  Voted,  That  Col.  Joseph  Camp,  Roger  Welles,  and  Dea.  Levi  Deming, 
be  a  committee  to  view  the  Wright  farm,  so  called,  and  receive  proposals 
from  any  person,  who  would  wish  to  buy  said  farm,  and  report  at  some 
future  meeting." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  2,  1830,  "  Voted,  That  Col.  Joseph  Camp,  Capt 
Daniel  Willard,  and  Dea.  Levi  Deming  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  a 
committee  of  the  school  society  of  Newington,  to  make  some  arrangement 
about  the  division  of  the  public  moneys  belonjring  to  the  two  societies." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  16,  1830,  "  Voted,  That  a  report  of  a  committee 
on  the  public  moneys  be  accepted." 

"  REPORT. 

"  The  committee  appointed  by  this  society  to  confer  with  a  similar  com- 
mittee of  the  school  society  for  the  purpose  of  investigating  the  situ- 
ation of  the  funds  belonging  to  the  two  societies,  and  to  ascertain  in  what 
manner  a  division  of  said  funds  can  be  best  effected,  beg  leave  to  report 

"  That  they  have  carefully  attended  to  the  duties  of  their  appointment, 
and  find  that  the  sources  from  which  our  Ecclesiastical  and  school  funds 
are  derived  are  as  follows  : 

"  1.  The  parsonage  money,  received  from  the  sale  of  50  acres  of  land 
granted  by  the  town  of  Wethersfield  to  the  society  of  Newington  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Ecclesiastical  society  in  said  place.  This  part  of  the  fund 
we  find  to  be  $1,718.66. 

"  2.  The  loan  moneif,  derived  from  the  sales  of  land  in  certain  townships 
in  the  western  part  of  the  state,  done  by  authority  of  the  Legislature,  and 
appropriated  exclusively  for  the  benefit  of  schools.  This  part  of  the  fund 
we  find  to  be  $279.23. 

"  3.  The  excise  money,  accruing  from  certain  imposts  or  duties  paid  on 
the  importation  of  goods,  which  was  appropriated  by  the  legislature  for 
the  support  of  schools.     This  part  of  the  fund  amounts  to  S168.58. 

"  4.  The  Kensington  money.  This  was  paid  by  the  town  (society)  of  Ken- 
sington to  the  society  of  Newington,  as  a  compensation  for  that  portion  of 
said  society  which  was  annexed  to  Kensington,  and  now  belongs  to  the 
society  of  Worthington.     This  part  of  the  fund  amounts  to  $195.40. 

"  5.  After  the  termination  of  the  late  war  with  Great  Britain,  Connecti- 
cut I'eceived  of  the  United  States dollars  as  a  remuneration  in  part 

for  expenses  incurred  by  the  State  during  the  war,  which  sum  the  Legis- 
lature apportioned  among  the  several  religious  societies  in  the  State.  Of 
this  money  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Newington  received  $70.33. 

"  6.  The  sum  of  $500.00,  which  the  Ecclesiastical  society  received  for 
the  relinquishment  of  its  claim  to  the  estate  of  Rosanna  Deming,  deceased. 

"  7.  The  bequest  of  the  late  Mr.  Amos  Andrus,  deceased.  As  this  pro- 
perty consists  wholly  of  real  estate,  no  estimation  of  its  worth  has  been 
made  by  your  committee. 

*  This  is  the  first  mention  of  a  church  bell.     See  Dr.  Brace's  Dis.,  p.  42. 
tThe  agent  went  to  Albany  for  the  bell  and  transported  it  from  there  to  New- 
ington with  his  own  team.    That  was  before  the  time  of  railroads. 


139 

"  With  regard  to  the  several  items  which  compose  our  funds,  the  in- 
quiry next  arises  which  of  these  belongs  to  the  school  society. 

"  Your  committee  are  not  yet  satisfied  that  the  school  society  has  a  legal 
claim  to  any  except  the  Loan  and  the  Excise  moneys.  No  difficulty  arises 
with  regard  to  any  except  the  Kensington  money.  Your  committee  can- 
not find  any  record  or  document  which  shows  conclusively  for  what  pur- 
pose it  was  to  be  applied.  It  was  simply  given  to  the  society  of  New- 
ington. 

"  Athough  your  committee  are  unanimous  in  the  opinion  that  the  Eccle- 
siastical society  has  the  best  claim  to  the  Kensington  money,  yet  consider- 
ing that  there  is  some  diversity  of  opinion  on  the  subject,  and  also  that 
our  fathers  usually  applied  a  part  of  the  interest  of  the  Kensington  money 
for  the  support  of  schools,  your  committee  would  beg  leave  to  recommend 
that  a  vote  be  passed  authorizing  your  trustee  to  transfer  to  the  treasurer 
of  the  school  society  one  half  of  the  Kensington  money,  *  together  with 
the  Loan  and  Excise  moneys,  the  whole  amounting  to  $545.51,  to  be  paid 
in  notes  or  cash  as  shall  hereafter  be  determined. 

"  AU  which  respectfully  submitted, 

LEVI  DEMING,"  ) 

JOSEPH  CAMP,  y  Committee." 

DANIEL  WILLARD,) 

Newington,  Nov.  16,  1830. 

,  At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  30,  1830,  "Voted,  That  a  committee  of  three  be 
appointed  and  directed  to  sell  the  farm  owned  by  this  society  called  the 
Wright  farm,  as  soon  as  practicable,  provided  that  a  sum  shall  be  offered 
which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  shall  be  a  fair  price  for  it.  Also 
that  this  committee  be  authorized  to  give,  in  the  name  of  the  society,  to 
the  purchaser  a  good  and  lawful  deed  of  the  same.  (In  the  afHrinative 
the  votes  were  thirty-one,  Neg.  none.)  Voted,  that  Gen.  Martin  Kellogg, 
Col.  Joseph  Camp,  Dea.  Levi  Deming,  be  the  committee  for  the  object  as 
above  stated." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  4,  1834,  ''Voted,  That  Gen.  M.  Kellogg,  Levi 
Deming,  and  Col.  Joseph  Camp,  be  a  committee  to  give  and  receive  deeds 
in  exchange  of  some  land  to  straighten  the  line  on  the  society's  lot.  Also 
to  sell  the  Clear  lot,  If  an  offer  shall  be  made  that  they  shall  consider 
reasonable." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  5,  1837,  ''Voted,  That  Messrs.  Roger  Welles, 
Jeremiah  Seymour  and  Martin  Robbins  be  a  committee  to  draw  a  plan  of 
such  alterations  as  this  society  propose  to  have  made  to  the  meeting  house 
and  report  at  the  next  meeting." 

At  a  meeting  held  April  12,  1837,  "Voted,  That  the  committee  appointed 

*  This  division  of  the  Kensington  money  was  certainly  liberal  to  the  school 
society.  In  1715  when  the  original  annexation  of  the  Beckleys  to  the  Great 
Swamp  Society  took  place,  the  main  consideration  urged  by  them  was  their  near- 
ness to  the  meeting  house  in  the  Great  Swamp  Society  where  they  attended  wor- 
ship and  their  distance  from  the  Newington  meeting  house,  the  subject  of  schools 
was  not  mentioned  and  probably  had  no  influence  in  the  matter.  In  1754,  when 
the  annexation  was  confirmed  to  Kensington  society,  apparently  the  same  con- 
sideration governed.  The  people  annexed  were  incorporated  a  school  district  by 
themselves  in  1757,  so  that  their  school  privileges  were  very  little  affected  by 
their  annexation.  The  Kensington  money  was  paid  for  the  loss  to  Newington 
society  of  the  territory  annexed  to  Kensington,  this  teritory  would  have  fur- 
nished a  revenue  to  the  Newington  society  by  way  of  taxes,  had  it  not  been  set 
off,  these  taxes  were  in  1754  almost  wholly  for  the  support  of  the  ministry,  and 
even  in  1830  the  cost  of  schools  did  not  probably  equal  the  cost  of  supporting  the 
ministry. 


140 

the  last  meeting  be  directed  to  apply  the  sum  of  800  dollars  now  raised 
by  subscriptions,  and  whatever  more  may  hereafter  be  raised,  in  making 
such  alterations  in  the  meeting  house  as  they  shall  think  expedient." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  7,  1837,  ^'■Resolved,  That  (this)  meeting  pre- 
sent their  thanks  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Todd  and  wife  for  the  prompt  and  lively 
interest  they  have  manifested  in  fitting  up  and  adorning  our  church,  and 
also  for  their  very  liberal  donations  presented  for  said  purpose. 

"Fo/ec/,  That  the  thanks  of  this  meeting  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Joab 
Brace,  our  pastor,  and  his  family,  for  the  aid  they  have  given  and  the 
interest  manifested  in  repairing  the  church,  and  fitting  it  for  the  public 
worship  of  God."  * 

At  a  meeting  held  Sept.  1,  1841,  "  Voted,  To  purchase  a  bell  for  the 
Ecclesiastical  society  of  Newington  of  from  700  to  800  lbs. 

"  Voted,  That  a  committee  of  two  be  directed  to  dispose  of  the  old  bell 
and  to  purchase  a  new  one. 

"  Voted,  That  Roger  Welles  and  Homer  Camp  be  that  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  2,  1841,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee 
be  directed  to  set  out  trees  about  the  meeting  house  for  public  convenience, 
according  to  their  judgment,  at  the  expense  of  the  society." 

At  a  meeting  held  Oct.  1,  1842,  "  Voted,  That  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  sell  a  part  of  the  society's  land,  Roger  Welles,  Martin  Robbins,  Erastus 
Latimer,  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  June  2,  1845,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee 
be  authorized  to  borrow  a  sum  not  exceeding  two  hundred  dollars,  to  be 
expended  in  painting,  blinds,  repairs,  &c.,  on  the  meeting  house  of  said 
society.  Voted,  That  J.  M.  Belden,  M.  W.  Stoddard,  and  Levi  S.  Dem- 
ing  be  a  special  committee  to  carry  the  above  vote  into  effect." 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  21,  1845,  "  Voted,  That  Jeremiah  Seymour,  Mar- 
tin Robbins,  H.  E.  Stoddard,  L.  S.  Deming,  and  Henry  Luce  be  appointed 
a  committee  to  view  and  stake  out  the  ground  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church  where  in  their  opinion  it  would  be  expedient  to  plant 
shade  or  ornamental  trees,  and  to  invite  individuals  of  the  society  to  select 
their  spot,  and  plant  and  maintain  a  tree  or  trees  on  said  spot.  Voted,  that 
the  secretary  be  invited  to  take  the  names  of  those  who  will  volunteer  to 
set  out  trees. 

Volunteers. 

M.  W.  Stoddard,  D.  H.  Willard,  Erastus  Latimer,  E.  Whaples,  Jr., 
S.  J.  M.  Kellogg,  R.  W.  Kellogg,  William  Wells,  Newman  Huntly, 
William  Kirkham,  Martin  Brown,  Henry  S.  Kilbourn,  L.  S.  Deming, 
Henry  Luce. 

At  a  meeting  held  November  5,  1851,  "  Voted,  That  Mr.  Brace  be 
invited  to  remain  as  pastor  until  he  shall  have  completed  the  term  of  fifty 
years." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  9,  1852,  "  Voted,  That  a  committee  of 
three  be  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  enlargement  of  the 
church.  That  M.  W.  Stoddard,  Levi  S.  Deming,  and  D.  H.  Willard  be 
that  committee. 

At  a  meeting  held  November  16,  1852,  "  Voted,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  enlargement  be  accepted." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  7,  1852,  "  Voted,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  enlargement  of  the  church,  said 
committee  to  consist  of  one.  That  Dea.  Jedediah  Deming  be  that  com- 
mittee." 

At  a  meeting  held  January  4,  1853,  "  Voted,  That  the  special  committee 

*Among  other  changes  the  pe^vs  were  altered  into  slips. 


141 

be  directed  to  procure  the  opinions  and  estimates  of  some  other  architect. 
Dea.  Jedediah  Deming  be  that  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  eJanuary  18,  1853,  "  Voted,  That  the  committee  report 
on  or  before  the  first  Tuesday  in  March, 

"  Voted,  That  Homer  Camp,  Erastus  Latimer,  John  M.  Belden,  and 
M.  W.  Stoddard  be  added  to  the  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  15,  1853,  "  Report  of  committee  on  enlarge- 
ment accepted. 

"  Voted,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  and  instructed  to  obtain  a  side 
and  front  elevation,  with  a  view  of  the  steeple  raised  and  improved,  with 
estimates  of  costs. 

"  Voted,  Edwin  Wells  and  L.  S.  Deming  be  that  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  February  23,  1853,  "  Voted,  That  the  sum  of  One 
Thousand  Dollars  be  raised  by  subscription.  That  Levi  S.  Deming  be 
agent  to  obtain  subscriptions.  That  subscriptions  shall  be  paid  on  or 
before  the  first  of  October  next.  That  the  agent  be  authorized  to  take 
notes  in  payment  of  subscriptions,  to  be  paid  with  interest  on  or  before 
the  first  of  June,  1856.  That  a  committee  of  seven  be  appointed  as  a 
building  committee.  That  Albert  S.  Hunn,  J.  Deming,  jr.,  Charles  K. 
Atwood,  John  M.  Belden,  Willis  P.  Davis,  Daniel  H.  Willard,  H.  L.  Kel- 
logg be  that  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  March  14,  1853,  "That  a  building  committee  be 
appointed  and  authorized  to  enlarge  and  improve  tbe  meeting  house  in 
accordance  with  a  general  plan  presented,  (called  White's  plan,)  said  plan 
to  be  subject  to  alterations  and  amendments,  as  to  the  committee  shall 
appear  best. 

"  Voted,  That  Levi  S,  Deming,  Edwin  Welles,  and  Albert  S.  Hunn  be 
a  building  committee. 

"  Voted,  That  a  resolution  appointing  a  committee  of  seven  as  a  building 
committee,  at  a  former  meeting,  be  rescinded." 

At  a  meeting  held  December  13,  1853,  "  Voted,  That  the  report  of  the 
building  committee  be  accepted,  and  that  the  society  assume  the  debt  by 
them  contracted. 

"  Voted,  That  this  society  present  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  building  com- 
mittee. 

"  Voted,  That  this  society  present  to  Mr.  Eliphalet  Richards,  (and  his 
subordinates,)  building  contractor  on  their  meeting  house,  a  vote  of  thanks 
for  the  acceptable  manner  in  which  he  has  fulfilled  his  contract." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  7,  1854,  "  Whereas  Rev.  Joab  Brace 
notified  this  society  three  years  since  of  his  readiness  to  discontinue  his 
active  duties  as  pastor  with  us,  and  at  the  request  of  the  society,  by  a 
committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  agreed  to  continue  as  pastor  for 
three  years  more,  and  this  period  having  nearly  expired.  Therefore,  Voted, 
That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Brace,  and 
ascertain  his  views  and  wishes  on  the  subject,  and  report  to  the  next 
meeting. 

"  Voted,  That  Homer  Camp,  Charles  K.  Atwood,  and  Marcus  W.  Stod- 
dard be  that  committee." 

At  a  meeting  held  November  13,  1854,  "  Voted,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  to  confer  with  Rev.  Mr.  Brace  be  accepted,  and  that  their  report 
and  his  communication  be  recorded." 

"  Committee  report  that  they  met  Mr.  Brace  at  his  house  on  the  even- 
ing following  their  appointment,  and  after  a  very  pleasant  and  somewhat 
lengthy  interview,  Mr.  Brace,  at  our  request,  agreed  to  put  his  views  in 
writing,  which  is  herewith  submitted." 


142 

Communication  from  Mr.  Brace. 

Newington,  November  9,  1854. 
To  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  Newington. 

Your  committee  called  on  me  last  evening  to  converse  on  the  question 
of  my  resigning  my  pastoral  services  among  you.  and  now,  through  that 
committee  I  have  to  say,  (1.)  I  thank  you  for  the  respect  shown  to  me 
herein,  by  you  and  by  the  committee.  (2.)  I  was  ordained  January  16, 
1805,  as  the  minister  of  this  people.  In  the  year  1851,  I  offered  to  cease 
from  my  labors,  if  my  people  wished  it,  as  that  was  the  year  of  my  three 
score  and  ten,  otherwise  I  would  go  on  and  complete,  if  God  would  give 
me  strength  and  grace,  the  half-century  of  my  ordination.  The  society 
voted  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  signify  to  me  their  pleasure  that  I 
should  continue  my  ministry  during  those  three  years.  I  rejoice  that 
having  obtained  help  of  God  I  continue  to  thvi  time.  (3.)  I  now  propose, 
with  your  approbation  and  concurrence,  to  resign,  not  to  be  formally  dis- 
missed, but  to  resign,  all  the  active  services  of  the  pastor  and  minister,  to 
the  charge  of  my  colleague,  (as  soon  as  he  shall  be  settled,)  at  the  close 
of  the  fifty  years.  (4.)  I  design,  (if  God  be  willing,)  to  preach  my  last 
pastoral  sermon  on  Tuesday,  the  sixteenth  day  of  January,  1855,  at  two 
of  the  clock,  P.  M. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you.     Amen. 

J.  BRACE. 
To  H.  Camp,  ^ 

M.  AV.  Stoddard,  >  Special  Committee. 
Ch.  K.  Atwood,    ) 

At  a  meeting  held  March  10,  1856,  "  Voted,  That  we  concur  with  the 
church  in  extending  a  call  to  Mr.  William  P.  Aiken  to  settle  with  us  in 
the  gospel  ministry. 

"  Voted,  That  we  will  pay  Mr.  Aiken  the  annual  salary  of  Nine  Hun- 
dred Dollars. 

"  Voted,  That  Henry  L.  Kellogg,  Albert  S.  Hunn,  and  John  M.  Belden 
be  a  committee  to  carry  into  effect  the  votes  of  this  meeting. 

"  Voted,  That  the  committee  express  to  him  the  desire  of  this  society 
that  he  come  as  soon  as  convenient  to  him." 


TRADITIONS  .AND    REMINISENCES   OF   NEWINGTON, 

COMPILED 

BY  THE  LATE  CAPT.  DANIEL  WILLARD.* 

For  quite  a  number  of  years,  perhaps  some  thirty  or  forty  years  after 
the  first  settlers  came  to  Wethersfield,  in  1G34,  that  part  of  the  town  lying 
west  of  Cedar  Mountain,  since  called  Newington,  was  a  wilderness, 

"  Where  nothnig  dwelt  but  beasts  of  prey, 

Or  men  as  fierce  and  wild  as  they." 
The  Indians  were  somewhat  numerous,  many  of  them  lived  around  a  pond 
near  the  center  of  the  place,  where  they  h:id  a  little  village  of  wigwams. 
From  the  pond  they  obtained  an  abundance  of  fish.     Sequin  was  then 
Sachem,  they  were  tributary  to  the  Saehera  at  Middletown. 

♦Mr.  Willard  was  cf.n temporary  with  Ur.  Brace,  and  lived  to  an  advanced  age. 
In  the  latter  years  of  his  life  he  gathered  and  compiled  a  mass  of  materials  about 
"Newington,  its  family  genealogies,  with  historical  and  bion:rapliical  sketches, 
incidents,  reminiscences,  anecdotes,  traditions,  &c.,"  from  which  the  following 
account  has  been  condensed,  retaining  as  far  as  possible  his  own  ]an<i^uago.  The 
original  manuscript  is  in  the  possession  of  his  son,  Daniel  H.  Willard.  It  con- 
tains genealogies  of  the  families  ia  Newington  of  great  interest. 


143 

The  people  of  Newington  need  not  be  ashamed  of  their  early  ancestors. 
Most  of  them  were  descendants  of  the  pilgrim  f:ithers  of  New  England, 
and  retain  much  of  the  "  steady  habits  "  of  Connecticut.  Some  thirty 
years  ago  a  Connecticut  historian,  speaking  of  Newington,  says,  "  Its 
inhabitants  (about  650  in  number)  are  chiefly  engaged  in  agriculture,  and 
are  distinguished  for  their  general  intelligence,  and  attachment  to  the 
institutions  of  morality  and  religion."  At  a  very  early  period  they  built 
school  houses,  and  provided  teachers  for  their  children.  As  soon  as  they 
were  able  they  erected  a  house  for  public  worship.  Previous  to  that  time 
they  attended  church  at  Wethersfield,  they  walked  through  the  woods,  the 
women  carrying  their  infant  children  in  their  arms,  and  taking  off  their 
shoes  and  stockings  to  ford  the  streams,  and  the  men  carrying  their  loaded 
guns,  for  fear  of  the  Indians.  The  early  settlers  of  Newington  were  not 
more  than  two  generations  later  than  their  Puritan  fathers,  who  came  to 
Hartford  and  Wetht-rsfield  about  the  year  1634,  than  whom  a  more  worthy 
race  of  men  cannot  be  found  in  Modern  History. 

The  first  settlers  and  their  more  immediate  descendants  were  a  strong, 
hardy,  athletic  race,  capable  of  greater  endurance  of  bodily  toil  than  the 
more  refined  and  better  educated  men  of  the  present  day.  To  reap,  bind, 
and  stack  an  acre  of  heavy,  new-land  wheat,  was  but  a  common  day's 
work.  The  late  Mr.  Amos  Andrus,  who  was  born  in  1765,  said  that  he 
could  well  remember  when  the  old  men  were  not  so  tall  in  stature,  but 
larger,  heavier,  more  thick  set  and  hardy,  as  he  expressed  it,  than  the  men 
of  later  generations. 

Our  maternal  ancestors  were  the  fit  companions  of  the  brave  pioneers 
and  founders  of  a  new  settlement,  most  of  them  pious  women,  some  of 
them  "  mothers  in  Israel,"  with  strength  equal  to  their  day ;  see  them, 
after  the  toils  and  hardships  of  the  week,  without  servants,  without  the 
modern  improvements  in  houses,  fires,  and  culinary  utensils,  see  them,  on 
the  morning  of  the  Sabbath,  take  their  infant  children  in  their  arms  and 
walk  through  the  forests  to  Wethersfield  to  attend  public  worship.  I 
ought  to  have  added,  that  until  the  last  half  century,  most  of  the  clothing 
both  for  summer  and  winter,  was  of  their  own  manufacturing,  except  the 
dressing  of  it  by  the  clothiers.  When  all  wore  homespun,  they  were  as 
proud  of  a  new  garment  as  many  are  now  of  the  most  costly  fabrics. 

I  remember  well  when  there  was  not  a  white  house  in  the  place,  one 
was  of  a  greenish  color,  a  few  were  painted  with  Spanish  brown,  all  the 
others  of  the  natural  wood  color.  Stoves  were  not  known,  many  of  the  old 
fire  places  were  wide  and  deep  enough  to  seat  a  number  of  children  on 
stools  inside  the  jambs;  few  or  none  of  the  rooms  were  plastered,  papered, 
or  painted ;  women  rode  to  church  on  side-saddles  or  pillions,  except  a  few 
who  owned  a  poor  two-wheeled  carriage,  called  a  curricle,  I  know  of  only 
one  one-horse  wagon  that  was  for  the  conveyance  of  people  to  church  and 
other  places. 

The  old  meeting  house  was  very  much  dilapidated.  When  a  child  I 
watched  the  swallows  as  they  flew  in  and  out,  where  some  clapboards  had 
fallen  off"  near  the  ridge,  chirping  and  twittering  to  their  young  in  their 
nests  under  the  ridge  pole,  while  Mr.  Belden  was  reading  from  the  84th 
Psalm — "  Yea,  the  sparrow  hath  found  an  house,  and  the  swallow  a  nest 
for  herself,  where  she  may  lay  her  young,  even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of 
hosts." 

1  do  not  blame  our  ancestors  for  not  building  a  better  house,  they  did 
all  that  they  were  able  to  do.  I  only  blame  those  of  later  time  for  not 
building  a  good  church  sooner  than  they  did.  The  people  had  to  submit 
to  the  inconveniences  and  discomforts  of  the  old  house  80  years.  The 
house  was  not  finished  inside  except  the  pulpit,  pews,  galleries,  and  gallery 
stairs,  which  were  at  the  northeast  and  southeast  corners  of  the  house. 


144 

Children  were  often  seated  on  the  stairs,  in  full  view  of  their  parents  and 
the  minister.  The  tithingmen  had  the  oversight  of  those  in  the  galleries. 
There  was  a  very  wide  soundinj^-board  over  the  pulpit,  suspended  in  part 
by  an  iron  rod  runnin<^  from  the  board  to  the  side  of  the  house.  I  was 
not  the  only  child  who  was  afraid  that  the  rod  would  break  or  draw  from 
its  fastenings,  and  let  the  sounding  board  fall  on  the  minister's  head.  I 
remember  well  the  neighboring  ministers  who  exchanged  with  Mr.  Belden, 
previous  to  the  year  1800.  I  remember  well  their  venerable  forms,  their 
solemn  deportment,  their  dignified  step,  as  they  passed  through  the  middle 
aisle  and  up  the  pulpit  stairs.  Such  men  as  Dr.  Perkins  of  West  Hart- 
ford, Dr.  Smalley  of  New  Britain,  Mi'.  Washburn  of  Farminjrton,  Mr. 
Hawley  of  Noi  thington,  now  Avon,  Dr.  Upson  of  Kensington,  Mr.  Fenn 
of  Worthington,  Mr.  Robinson  of  Southington,  Dr.  Chapin  of  Rocky  Hill, 
Dr.  Marsh  of  \Vethersfield,  and  once  or  twice  Dr.  Strong  or  Dr.  Flint  of 
Hartford.  Dr.  Flint  was  the  best  reader  of  Psalms  and  Hymns  that  1 
ever  heard.  Drs.  Strong  and  Smalley  were  great  theologians.  These 
ministers  were  all  faithful  embassadors  of  Christ.  Like  all  other  good 
men  they  had  some  failings  and  imperfections.  They  were  not  so  free  and 
sociable  with  the  youth  and  children  as  the  ministers  of  the  present  day. 
Most  of  us  could  never  divest  ourselves  of  the  awe  and  reverence  we  felt, 
when  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Belden.  He  continued  to  wear  his  three- 
cornered,  wide-brimmed,  cocked  hat,  and  Dr.  Marsh  his  great  white  wig, 
I  think  while  they  continued  to  preach.  Their  dress,  address,  and  whole 
demeanor  was  calculated  to  inspire  us  with  reverence,  rather  than  win  our 
love  and  affection.  My  father,  who  was  one  of  the  committee  who  engaged 
Mr.  Brace  to  be  our  pastor,  said  to  him,  "  I  hope  that  my  children  will  not 
stand  in  such  fear  of  you  as  I  have  of  Mr.  Belden."  "  I  hope  not,"  said 
Mr.  Brace,  "  I  shall  endeavor  not  to  give  them  any  occasion  lor  it."  The 
boys  of  former  times  took  off  their  hats  and  made  a  low  bow  to  a  minister, 
whenever  he  passed  by  them  in  the  street. 

Many  years  before  Sabbath  schools  were  ever  known,  Mr.  Belden,  on 
certain  Sabbaths  in  the  summer  season,  would  request  all  the  children  of 
the  Congregation  to  stay  and  recite  the  Assembly's  Catechism,  after  the 
adult  portion  of  the  assembly  were  dismissed. 

The  sermons  were  more  formal,  less  concise,  too  much  time  spent  in  the 
introduction,  in  enumerating  the  different  heads  (quite  too  many  of  them 
sometimes,)  or  divisions  of  the  discourse,  all  tending  to  make  it  too 
lengthy,  especially  in  a  cold  day,  in  a  cold  house,  with  no  means  of  warm- 
ing it,  but  the  few  coals  in  the  foot  stoves,  which  the  women  carried  to 
church  with  them. 

The  holy  Sabbath  is  not  so  strictly  kept  by  us  as  it  was  by  our  ances- 
tors. Like  the  Puritan  Fathers,  they  considered  the  Sabbath  as  begin- 
ning at  sun  down  on  Saturday  evening  ;  all  worldly  avocations  and  secular 
business,  (except  works  of  necessity  or  mercy,)  were  brought  to  a  close 
as  near  as  possible  at  that  time  ;  the  evening,  as  well  as  the  Sabbath  day, 
except  attendance  at  church,  was  spent  in  reading  the  Bible  and  other  reli- 
gious books,  of  which  those  in  the  Charity  library  formed  an  essential  part. 
The  children  often  recited  the  Assembly's  catechism,  the  little  children 
were  taught  to  learn  Dr.  Watts'  catechism  and  divine  songs,  &c.  It  was 
considered  sacred  time  from  the  setting  of  the  sun  on  Saturday  eve.  to  the 
same  hour  on  Sunday  evening. 

The  means  of  information  have  been  multiplied  many  fold.  I  recollect 
well  when  there  were  but  few  books  except  those  contained  in  our  three 
public  libraries,  of  which  we  were  in  advance  of  most  country  places. 
There  were  then  no  daily  newspapers,  no  weekly  papers  accessible  to  us 
hut  the  Courant  and  Mei-cury,  both  of  which  were  smaller  than  our  daily 
papers  now  are.     There  were  no  reports  of  Bible,  Missionary,  Tract,  and 


145 

Sabbath  School  Societies,  &c.,  which  were  not  then  in  existence,  with  the 
exception  of  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society,  which  employed  a  few 
laborers  in  the  new  settlements  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  Western  New 
York,  and  later  in  New  Connecticut,  as  it  was  then  called.  That  society 
once  a  year,  published  a  pamphlet  containing  an  account  of  the  labors 
of  their  missionaries,  one  copy  only  of  which  was  sent  to  Newington  for 
the  whole  society  to  read,  on  which  Mr.  Belden,  with  his  characteristic 
precision,  wrote,  "  This  book  belongs  to  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of  New- 
ington, to  be  circulated  from  neighbor  to  neighbor  as  speedily  as  may  be." 
There  was  one  magazine,  viz.  The  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine,  the 
articles  of  which  were  very  ably  written  by  such  men  as  Dr.  Strong,  Dr. 
Smalley,  Dr.  Perkins  and  others. 

Jt  is  well  known  that  slavery  once  existed  in  Newington,  though  our 
young  children  will  hardly  realize  that  several  of  their  forefathers  owned 
negro  slaves.  But  the  servitude  here  was  much  milder  than  it  is  in  the 
Gulf  States,  in  Cuba,  Brazil,  or,  as  I  should  think  among  the  serfs  of  Rus- 
sia, who  have  lately  been  emancipated  by  the  Emperor  Alexander,  2d. 
It  was  more  like  tliat  which  existed  in  the  family  of  Abraham,  and  the 
other  Patriarchs  of  old.  Ckir  ancestors  who  owned  them  were  humane, 
benevolent,  and  conscientious  men,  who  taught  them  to  read,  especially  the 
Bible,  to  go  to  church,  and  in  some  cases  they  were  allowed  almost  as 
much  liberty  as  members  of  their  own  families.  A  part  of  these  slaves 
were  emancipated  by  the  voluntary  acts  of  their  masters,  others  by  enact- 
ments of  our  State  Legislature. 

Deacon  Josiah  Willard,  in  his  will,  provided  for  the  freedom  of  Guinea, 
whenever  his  old  mistress  died,  which  I  should  think  was  before  he  arrived 
at  middle  age.  He  was  brought  from  the  coast  of  Guinea  in  Africa  and 
sold  to  Dea.  Willard.  Deacon  John  Camp  bought  a  negro  boy,  named 
Pomp,  said  to  have  been  brought  from  the  West  Indies.  I  was  told  that 
the  Deacon  paid  pound  for  pound  for  him,  that  is,  he  paid  twenty  shillings 
in  money  for  every  pound  that  Pomp  weighed.  Pomp,  after  he  obtained 
his  freedom,  married  Zilpah,  by  whom  he  had  eight  children. 

Mr.  Gideon  Hunn,  I  think,  had  a  negro  whose  name  was  Toney ;  James 
Lusk  had  a  negro  named  Peter ;  Unni  Robbins,  ]  st,  had  one  whose  name 
was  Benoni;  Daniel  Willard,  1st,  had  one  named  Brisco;  he  died  when  a 
boy ;  Rev.  Mr.  Belden  had  one  whose  name  was  Job ;  Lemuel  Whittlesey 
had  one  named  Dick ;  Capt.  Martin  Kellogg  owned  two  negroes.  Step  and 
Katrine,  he  permitted  Step  to  marry  Katrine.  Step  had  a  little  child 
named  Pegg.  I  remember  that  on  the  Mitchell  farm  in  the  south  part  of 
the  place,  lived  two  aged  negroes,  called  Tom  and  Frank.  Towards  the 
close  of  Tom's  life,  at  his  own  request,  the  pastor,  deacons,  and  several 
members  of  the  church  met  at  his  house  and  with  him  partook  of  the 
Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  Capt.  Jonathan  Stoddard  had  one  who 
was  called  Jim. 

The  names  of  some  of  the  physicians  who  have  resided  in  Newington 
are  :  Dr.  Andrus,  a  shrewd,  observing  man,  who  had  a  very  retentive  mem- 
ory ;  Dr.  Richards  was  one  of  our  early  physicians,  he  introduced  the 
innoculation  of  the  small  pox  in  Newington  ;  Dr.  Joshua  Belden  was  an 
excellent  physician ;  Dr.  Archibald  Hall  practiced  medicine  more  or  less 
many  years  ;  Dr.  Wadsworth  also  during  a  much  shorter  period. 

In  1776  the  population  of  Newington  was  about  500.  Many  of  its 
inhabitants  have  lived  to  a  good  old  age.  During  the  fifly  years  of  Dr. 
Brace's  ministry  the  number  of  deaths  of  persons  between  70  and  80  years 
were  64  ;  between  the  ages  of  80  and  95  there  were  36  persons ;  making 
in  all  100  deaths  of  those  70  years  old  and  upwards. 

Newington  has  been  blessed  with  several  revivals  of  religion.     The 

19 


146 

greatest  of  them  was  that  of  1821,  under  the  solemn  and  pungent  preaching 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Nettleton.  It  is  often  spoken  of  as  the  great  revival.  There  were 
fifty  heads  of  families,  viz.  25  husbands  with  their  25  wives,  that  were 
soon  afterwards  received  into  the  church  at  one  time,  as  the  fruits  of  that 
revival.  Several  others  of  different  ages  united  with  the  church,  Widow 
Charity  Tryon,  then  70  years  old,  was  one  of  them,  she  lived  to  the 
advanced  age  of  94|^  years.  This  work  of  grace  was  previous  to  the  era 
of  Sabbath  schools,  since  then,  revivals  have  been  greater  in  Dr.  Brace's 
Bible  class  and  in  the  Sabbath  school  than  among  other  classes  of  people. 

In  1831  there  was  a  great  revival,  followed  by  another  in  1844.  These 
last  two  were  the  most  powerful  among  the  young  people  and  children. 

The  Sabbath  school  has  been  well  sustained  ever  since  its  commence- 
ment. It  has  proved  to  be  an  important  auxiliary  to  the  ministration  of 
Divine  truth.  It  has  shared  largely  in  the  religious  revivals.  There  has 
been  a  time  when  more  than  one-half  of  all  belonging  to  or  connected  with 
the  school  were  members  of  the  church.  The  superintendents  of  the 
school  have  been  Daniel  Willard,  superintendent  the  first  13  years,  Wil- 
liam Deming,  assistant  superintendent  and  secretary  during  the  same  time, 
Dea.  Origen  Wells,  Dea.  Jedidiah  Deming,  Levi  S.  Deming,  Marcus  W. 
Stoddard,  Charles  K.  Atwood,  and  Joseph  J.  Francis. 

After  the  revolution  the  schools  in  Newington  progressed  rapidly.  By 
the  year  1800,  our  schools  were  in  a  good  state,  and  before  1830,  the 
principal  branches  of  a  common  school  education,  such  as  reading, -spell- 
ing, writing,  arithmetic,  grammar,  and  geography  were  as  faithfully  taught 
as  they  have  been  at  any  time.  Our  old  people  well  remember  the  times 
when  the  two  oldest  classes  of  the  several  schools,  at  the  close  of  the  win- 
ter sessions,  were  assembled  at  the  church  for  a  public  examination  and 
exhibition. 

Newington  has  not  fallen  short  of  other  country  places  in  its  military 
character.  At  an  early  period  a  militia  company  was  organized,  I  find 
by  a  diary  kept  by  Daniel  Willard,  1st,  that  in  the  year  1741,  there  was 
a  draft  made  of  one  half  of  the  company,  viz.  1  ensign,  2  sergeants,  2  cor- 
porals, 1  drummer  and  23  privates,  in  all  29  persons,  which  would  make 
the  company  at  that  early  date  to  consist  of  58  persons. 

I  can  name  but  a  part  of  those  who  were  Captains  of  the  Company 
before  the  Revolutionary  war  and  during  its  continuance.  John  Camp, 
Josiah  Willard.  Martin  Kellogg,  2d,  Martin  Kellogg,  3d,  Robert  Wells, 
Sen.,  Robert  Wells,  Jan.,  Charles  Churchill,  Jonathan  Stoddard,  Sen. 
Captains  of  the  company  after  the  Revolution,  Levi  Lusk,  Absalom  Wells, 
Robert  Francis,  Jonathan  Stoddard,  Jun.,  Martin  Kellogg,  5th,  James 
Deming,  Joseph  Camp.  On  the  re-organization  of  the  militia  a  J^ight 
Infantry  Company  was  enlisted  from  the  Ist  and  2d  societies,  about  two- 
thirds  of  them  from  Newington. 

Captains  of  the  Light  Infantry  Company  who  belonged  to  Newington : 
Joseph  Camp,  SimeDn  Stoddard,  Daniel  Willard,  Erastus  Latimer,  Erastus 
Francis,  Selden  Deming,  Daniel  H.  Willard,  Albert  S.  Ilunn. 

The  light  infantry  company  for  many  years  after  its  organization  was 
considered  superior  to  any  company  in  the  regiment. 

Newington  has  furnished  its  full  share  of  soldiers  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.  It  has  furnished  more  Generals  and  Field  Oflicers,  in  pro- 
portion to  its  population,  than  any  place  with  which  I  have  been  ac- 
quainted. Four  Colonels,  viz.  Roger  Welles,  Levi  Lusk,  Martin  Kellogg, 
and  Joseph  Camp,  three  of  them,  viz.  Welles,  Lusk,  and  Kellogg  were 
afterwards  Brigadier  Generals,  and  two  of  them,  Lusk  and  Kellogg  were 
promoted  to  the  Rank  of  Major  Generals.  Newington  furnished  many 
men  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Some  of  them  lost  their  lives  in  that  service. 
In  the  war  of  1712-15,  two  small  drafts  were  made  from  the  company. 


147 

and  stationed  at  Groton  to  defend  New  London  and  the  frigate  Macedon- 
ian and  the  sloop  of  war  Hornet,  from  any  attack  that  might  be  made 
from  the  British  fleet  on  the  coast.  Gen.  Levi  Lusk  commanded  the  mili- 
tia and  Lieut.  Joseph  Camp,  (afterwards  Col.  Camp)  had  a  command 
there. 


CHURCH  RECORDS,  180S— 18S7. 

I. 

ADMISSIONS    TO    COMMUNION. 


Feb.  3,  1805.  Admitted  to  Com- 
munion, Lucy,  wife  of  Joab 
Brace,  by  letter  from  West 
Hartford.* 

Feb.  17.  Absalom  Welles  and 
Lorrain  his  wife,  having  stood 
propounded  the  usual  time,  viz. 
2  weeks,  as  also  those  which 
follow. 

March  3.  Sally,  the  wife  of  Levi 
Deraing. 

April  28.     Luther  Latimer. 

June  30.  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of 
Francis  Deming. 

June  30.  Lucretia,  the  wife  of 
Solomon  Churchill. 

Oct.  13.  Jennette,  the  wife  of 
John  Kirkham,  Elizabeth,  the 
wife  of  Leonard  C.  Hubbard, 
and  Lydia  Churchill,  daughter 
of  Levi  Churchill. 

Oct.  27.  Irene  Andrus,  (daugh- 
ter of  Elizur  Andrus)  and 
Mary  Shepard. 

Jan.  4,  1807.  Lemuel  AVhittle- 
sey,  and  Hannah,  his  wife. 

March  1.  Benjamin  Hopkins, 
per  letter  from  Kensington. 

March  1.  John  Phillips,  per  let- 
ter from,Sangerfield,  N.  Y. 

Nov.  6,  1808.  Nancy  Seymour, 
daughter  of  Elias  Seymour. 


Jan.  1, 1809.  Josiah  Willard  and 
Rhoda  his  wife,  per  letter  from 
Wethersfield. 

March'o.  Zerviah,  wife  of  Reu- 
ben Whaples. 

Oct.  29.  Rosetta,  the  wife  of 
John  Squier. 

July  1,  1810.  Harvey  Francis, 
son  of  Justus  Francis. 

Aug.  19.  Mary,  the  wife  of  Jo- 
seph Hulet. 

Aug.  25,   1811.     Wm.  Kirkham. 

Aug.  25.  Lucy,  the  wife  of  Sim- 
eon Stoddard. 

April  5,  1812.  Candace,  wife  of 
Jno.  Stoddard. 

April  5.  Mary  Wells,  daughter 
of  Dea.  Wells. 

April  26.     Chloe  Deming. 

May  27.     Thomas,  a  black  man 

Aug.    23.       Prudence 
daughter  of  M.  Kellogg, 

Nov.  1.  Mary  A.  Churchill, 
daughter  of  Samuel  Churchill. 

Nov.  1.  Julia  Churchill,  daughter 
of  Solomou  Churchill. 

Nov.  1.  Mercy  Churchill,  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  Churchill. 

Nov.  1,  Lucinda  Sage  of  Middle- 
town. 

May  2,  1813.  Nancy,  the  wife  of 
Elisha  Whaples. 


Kellogg, 


*  "  This  may  certify  that  Lucj,  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Joab  Brace,  is  a  member  in 
full  communion  of  the  church  of  Christ  in  West  Hartford,  and  in  good  standing; 
and  as  such  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  enjoyment  of  all  gospel  ordinances  in  the 
the  church  of  Christ  in  Newington,  and  will  be  considered  as  dismissed  from  our 
watch  and  care  when  received  by  the  said  church. 

NATHAN  PERKINS,  Pastor, 

In  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  church." 
West  Hartford,  Jan.  26,  1805. 


148 


May   2.      Abigail,    the    wife    of 

Samuel  Whaples. 
Feb.  27,   1814.     Sarah,   wife   of 

Elisha  Whaples,  2d. 
May  1.     Origen  Wells  and  Sarah 

his  wife. 
March  5,  1815.      Elizabeth,   the 

wife  of  Leonard   C.    Hubbard, 

by  letter  from  Lejden,  N.  Y. 
May  7.     Mary,  wife   of   Martin 

Kellogg,  Jun. 
Mav  7.     Sophronia, wife  of  Asaph 

Willard. 
May  7.     Charlotte  Welles. 
May  0,    1816.     Widow  Lucretia 

Wells,  Lois,  the  wife  of  Levi 

Hurlburt,    Sophia,   the    wife  of 

William  Kirkham. 
May  5.     Electa  Kellogg. 
"         Gennette  Kirkham. 
"         Robert  Ro(;kwelI. 
"         Hiram  Stoddard. 
Jan.  1,  1818.     Ruth   Barnes,  the 

wife  of  Martin  Barnes,  by  letter 

from  Bolton. 
Jan.  17,  1819.     Elias  Andrews. 
July  25.     Henry  Blannot. 
Sept.  19.     Nancy,  wife  of  Sylves- 
ter Hurlburt. 
Sept.  19..     Abigail  Kilbourn. 
Dec.  12.     Sylvester  Hurlburt. 
Aug.  20,  1820.     Charlotte  Chur- 
chill. 
Aug.  20.     Elizabeth  Kilbourn. 
May  6,  1821.     Eunice  Kilbourn. 

"     Jonathan  Stoddard,  Sen. 

"     Elisha  Whaples,  1st. 

«     Elisha  Whaples,  2d. 

'•     Daniel  Willard  and  Laura, 
his  wife. 

"     William  Deming  and  Sarah, 
his  wife. 

"     Eunice    Hubbard,   wife    of 
Dositheus  Hubbard; 

"     Sarah  Dow,  wife  of  Samuel 
nDow. 

"     Nancy  Drinkvvater,  wife  of 
Thomas  Drinkwater. 

"     Jedidiah  Deming  and  Mary, 
his  wife. 


May  6,  1821.     Alma  Camp. 

"     Horace  Hopkins  and   Fan- 
ny, his  wife. 

"     Abel    Matson    and    Mabel, 
his  wife. 

"     Giles     Smith     and     Lydia 
Smith,  his  wife. 

"     Josiah     W.    Griswold    and 
Mary  Ann,  his  wife. 

"     Jeremiah  Seymour  and  Em- 
ily, his  wife. 

"     Anson  Whaples  and  Sarah, 
his  wife. 

"     William  McCarty  and  Jeru- 
sha,  his  wife. 

"     Lester  Luce  and  Sophia,  his 
wife. 

"     Benjamin  Hopkins  and  Har- 
riet, his  wife. 

"     Phebe  Messenger. 

"     Roger  Welles  and   Electa, 
his  wife. 

"     Aaron  Try  on. 

"     Zerah  Preston. 

«     Elisha  Whaples,  3d. 

"     Elisha  Whaples,  4th. 

"     Erastus  Kilbourn. 

"     John  C.  Dow. 

"     Sabra  Stoddard. 

"     Sarah  Dow. 

''     Huldah  Sedgwick. 

"     Mary  S.  Brace.     » 

"     Martha  Brace. 
July  1.     Martha  Graham. 

"     Huldah  Squire. 

"     Thomas  Drinkwater. 

"     Dositheus  Hubbard. 

"     Rebekah  Tryon. 

"     John  Whaples. 

"     Henry  Kilbourn. 

"     Joshua  Belden. 

"     Mason  Belden. 

"     Eraeline  Brown. 
Aug.  30.     Ruth   Francis,  wife  of 
Justus  Francis,  by  letter  from 
Simsbury. 
Sept.  2.     Reuben  Whaples. 

"     Archibald  Hall  and  Harriet 
his  wife. 

"     Chester  Churchill. 


149 


Sept.  2, 1821.     Erastus  Lattimer. 
"     Lucy  Churchill. 
','     Jemima  Churchill. 
"      Mary  Steel. 
Nov.  4.     Ellas  Seymour. 
Jan.  6,  1822.     Beulah  Stoddard, 
wife  of  Elisha  Stoddard. 
"     Catherine    Wells,    wife    of 
William  Wells. 
Sept.  1.     Salome  Deming,  by  let- 
ter from  Bristol. 
July  6,  1823.     Laura  Whittlesey, 

wife  of  Asaph  Whittlesey. 
May  7,  1826.     Prudence,  the  wife 
of  Enos  Deming. 
"     Mary  Ann,  the  wife  of  Lot 

Beckwith. 
"     Mary  Cole. 
"     Seth  Collins  Brace. 
"     Alma,  wife  of  John  Fuller, 
Jr.,  by  letter  from  Burlington. 
Jan.  7,  1827.     Timothy  Stanley. 

"     Anna  Wells. 
Mar.  4.      Sarah,   wife    of    Unni 
Robbins,  by  letter  from  Ken- 
sington. 
"     Elmina,    wife     of    Erastus 
Kilbourn,  by  letter  from  N. 
Britain. 
Nov.  '4.'    Anna,   wife,   of   James 
BHnn,  letter  fr.  Wethersfield. 
Mar.  2, 1 828.     Nancy,  the  wife  of 
Cyrus  Francis,  by  letter  from 
N.  Britain. 
July  6.     Electa  Whittlesey,  letter 

from  Stockbridge. 
Nov.  2.     Sally,  the  wife  of  Dea. 
Levi  Deming,  by  letter  from 
West  Hartford. 
Mar.   1,  1829.     Fanny,   wife    of 
Hiram    Stoddard,   by   letter 
from  I^ast  Windsor. 
May  3.     Elisha  Stoddard. 
"     Allen  Stoddard. 
"     Dorothy  Stoddard. 
"     Sarah  Chapman. 
«     Eleanor  Celia  Wells. 
"     Caroline  Deming. 
«     Rhoda  Willard. 
Sept.  6.     Lucinda  D.  Hall. 


Sept.  6.     Rhoda  Brown. 

"     Charlotte  Kirkham. 

"     Mary  A.  Wells. 

"     Maria  Hubbard. 

"     Catherine  Wells. 

"     Emily  Hubbard. 
May  2,  1830.     Homer   Camp,  by 

letter  from  New  Preston. 
May  1,  1831.     Lucretia,  wife   of 
Chester  Churchill. 

"     Joab  Brace,  Jr. 

"     Samuel  Brace. 
Jan.  1,  1832.     Augustus  Wilson. 

"     Daniel  H.  Willard. 

•'     Marcus  W.  Stoddard. 

*'     Albert  S.  Hunn. 

"     William  McCarter. 

"     Henry  G.  Tucker. 

"     William  vS.  Deming. 

"     William  F.  Willard. 

"     Levi  S.  Deming. 

."     Charity  Tryon. 

"     Harriet  Rockwell. 

"     Electa  Hazzard. 

"     Amanda  A.  Whaples. 

"     Sarah  Abernethy. 

"     Sarah  Deming. 

"     Elizabeth  Willard. 

"     Martha  McCarter. 

"     Lucinda  Wells. 

"     Mary  S.  Stoddard. 

"     Mary  Kellogg. 

"     Mary  A.  Griswold. 

"    Julia  A.  Stoddard. 
Mar.  4.     David  Hunn. 

"     Lydia  Smith,  by  letter  from 
Boonville. 

«     Charity   P.  Clark,  by  letter 
from  N.  Hartford. 
May  H.     Lot  Beckwith. 

"     Honor  Stoddard. 

"     Hannah  Hunter. 
July  1.     Delia  Camp. 
Mar.  2,  1834.     Esther  W.,  wife 
of  Elisha  Blinn,  letter  from 
^V^ethers  field. 
May  4.     Josiah  Atwood. 
Mar.  1,  1835.     Henry  G.  Little. 

"     James  B.  W^ells. 
May  1,  1836.     Emily  W.,  wife  of 


150 


Lowrey  Robbins,  letter  from 
Southington. 
Nov.  5,  1837.     Mary    Slater,   by 
letter  from  West  Hartford. 

"  Cornelia  Deming. 

May  6,  1838.     Uzziel  Lattiraer. 

"  Lucy  Robbins. 

"  Unni  Robbins. 

"  Amelia  Andrus. 

^'  Susanna  Whaples. 

"  Hannah  Kelsey. 

'•  Seviab  H.  W.  Lattimer. 

"  Minerva  C.  Rodgers. 

"  Eliza  Wells. 

«  Sarah  M.  D.  Willard. 

May  6,  1838.     Mary  Wells. 

"  Harriet  Rockwell. 

July  1.     Elisha  Blinn. 

"  Edwin  Welles. 

"  Jedidiah  Deming,  jun. 

"  Charles  K.  Atwood. 

"  Josiah  E.  Atwood. 

«  John  M.  Atwood. 

"  Martin  K.  Whittlesey. 

"  Heman  A.  Whittlesey. 

"  Dennis  W.  Dorraan. 

"  Samuel  J.  M.  Kellogg. 

"  Charles  Kellogg. 

"  John  W.  Brace. 

"  Sophronia  Tucker. 

"  Mary  Tucker. 

"  Eraeline  G.  Kilbourn. 

"  Frances  N.  W.  Griswold. 

"  Sarah  C.  Wells. 

«  Susan  S.  Wells. 

"  Lucy  Wells. 

«  Frances  G.  Wells. 

"  Charlotte  J.  Welles. 

"  Julia  Welles. 

"  Abigail  Welles. 

"  Sarah  M.  Whaples. 

"  Julia  Whaples. 

"  Eliza  J.  Davis. 

"  Julia  Ann  L.  Davis, 

"  Mary  Seymour. 

"  Harriet  P.  Atwood. 

"  Eliza  Kilbourn. 
Nov.  4.     Mary  Blinn. 

"  Ann  Gaylord. 

"  Julia  Churchill. 


Jan.   13,  1839.     Lucretia   Chur- 
chill, from  church,  Augusta, 
Georgia,  letter. 
«     Mary  E.  Belden,  wife  of  J. 
M.  Belden,  from  Glastonbury, 
letter. 
April  28.     Maria  Richards,  wife 
of  Eliphalet   Richards,  from 
Middletown,  letter. 
Nov.   3.     Maria    H.   Lamberton, 
wife  of  Stephen  P.  Lamber- 
ton, from  Bloomfield,  letter. 
Mar.  1,  1840.     Abigail   F.   Kel- 
logg, recommended  by  letter 
from  Marshall,  N.  Y. 
vSept.  6.     Solomon  Churchill. 
Jan.  3,  1841.     Sophronia    Saun- 
ders, rec.  by  letter  from  3d 
church.  East  Windsor. 
"     John  Kilbourn,  rec.  by  let. 
from  Yale  College. 
May  2.     Henry  L.  Kellogg. 
"     Chauncey  Deming. 
"     Elizabeth  C.  Kirkham. 
"     Abigail,     wife     of     Robert 
Chapman,  by  letter  from  West 
Avon. 
July  4.     Eunice  C.  Lattimer. 

"     Mary  K.  Atwood. 
Sept.  5.     Jemima  Simons,  by  let- 
ter from  Bolton. 
Nov.  6, 1842.     Philenia  Wells,  by 

letter  from  Westfield,  Ms. 
Mar.  5,  1843.     Caroline  S.  Dem- 
ing, wife  of  Levi  S.  Deming, 
by  letter  from  Madison. 
June  4.     William  Wells. 
James  Blinn. 
James  B.  Blinn. 
Sophia  L.  Kirkham. 
John  G.  Stoddard. 
John  S.  Kirkham. 
George  T.  Davis. 
Walter  Whaples. 
Carlos  Huntley. 
Samuel  N.  Rockwell. 
Warren  D.  Whaples. 
Chester  W.  Carter. 
Andrew  Jackson. 
Nancy  A.  Whaples. 


151 


June  4.     Abigail  J.  Kilbourn. 
"     Frances  M.  Judd. 
"     Julia  Pierce. 
"     Charlotte  Wells. 
"     Wyllis  P.  Davis. 
"     Henry  S.  Kilbourn. 
"     Marilla  Hubbard. 
"     Hepzibah  Deming. 
"     Aaron  and  Lucretia  Davis. 
"     Henry  and  Martha  Deming. 
"     Joseph  Camp. 
"     Sarah  Brown. 
"     Henry     and     Hannah     M. 

Luce. 
"     Charles  Stoddard. 
Nov.  2.     Nancy  Wells,  by  letter 

from  Tolland. 
Jan.  4,   1844.     Chloe    S.    Hum- 
phrey, letter  fr.  Vernon,  2d. 
"     Harvey  Stearns,  letter  from 

,  Vernon,  2d. 
"     Ann   S.  Stearrs,  letter  from 

Vernon. 
"     Amy  Wood,  let.  fr.  Vernon. 
"     Sarah  Smith,     "  " 

May  5.     Martha  C.  Fuller,  letter 

from  Franklin. 
Sept.  1.     Margaret,  wife  of  Wil- 
liam Hubbard,  letter  fr.  West- 
field,  Mass. 
Nov.  3.     Abner  Simons,  let.  from 
Worthington,  3d  ch.,  Berlin. 
"     Cornelia  Whittlesey. 
Mar.  2,  1845.     Cornelia  F.  Dem- 
ing, wife  of  Ch.  Deming,  let. 
fr.  Hartford,  4th  church. 
Sept.  7.     Sophia,  wife  of  Joseph 
Camp,  letter  fr.  New  Haven, 
Chapel  St. 
July  5,  1846.     Ely  GifFord   and 
wife,  letter  from  Rockville. 
"     Charlotte    Churchill,  letter 
from  Cheraco,  S.  C. 
July  4,  1847.     Lucinda  Gaylord. 

letter  from  West  Hartford. 
Nov.   1,   1849.     Edwin    Gaylord 
and   his   wife  Lucy  Gaylord, 
from  West  Hartford. 


Nov.  4.  Hugh  Davies,  let.  from 
Liverpool,  Eng.,  Thos.  Raf- 
fles, D.  D. 

Sept.  1,  1850.     Sarah  Theodosia 
Robbins,  d.  of  Unni  Robbing 
and  Sarah. 
"     Electa  Stanley  Welles,  d.  of 
Roger  and  Electa  Welles. 

Jan.  5, 1851.  Lemuel  W.  Camp, 
s.  of  Homer  Camp. 

July  6.     Laura  Kellogg  Camp,  d. 
of  Homer  Camp. 
"     Mary    Robbins,   d.  of  Unni 

Robbins. 
"     Emily  Sophia  Robbins,  d.  of 
Lowrey  Robbins. 

May  2, 1852.     Caroline  A.  Camp, 
d.  of  Homer  and  Delia  Camp. 
"     Jane  Mc  El  rath,  letter  from 
W.  Hartford. 

July  4.  Abigail  Rockwell,  d.  of 
Robert  and  Harriet  Rock- 
well. 
"  Harriet  R.  Dillings,  wid.  of 
Nelson  D.,  d.  of  Rob.  Rock- 
w^ell. 

Jan.  2,  1853.  Frances  Maria 
Lamberton,  d.  of  Stephen 
P.  Lamberton. 

May  7,  1854.  Frances  S.  W. 
Stoddard,  w.  of  M.  W.  Stod- 
dard, letter  fr.  Wethersfield. 
"  Sarah  Wells  Stoddard,  wife 
of  Rufus  Stoddard,  letter  fr. 
Wethersfield. 

July  2.  Percy  Richards,  d.  of 
Francis  Richards. 

Sept.  3.  Mary  Ann,  wife  of  Geo. 
T.  Davis,  let.  fr.  Cromwell. 

Dec.  31.  Caroline  S.  R.  Stod- 
dard, wife  of  John  G.  Stod- 
dard, letter  fr.  Charlemont. 

Jan.   4,    1855.      Adeline    Lewis, 

wife   of  Lewis,   letter 

Waterbury.* 

May  6.  John  McElrath  and  Jane 
his  wife. 

June  28.     Woodford  Kilbourn. 


*  The  last  entry  in  Dr.  Brace's  handwriting.     Those  that  follow  were  admitted 
after  he  left. 


152 


Sept.  22.     Mary  Abilene  Dow. 
Nov.  4.     Samuel  Cliauncey  Dix. 

''     Henry  Elbert  Loveland. 

"     Hiram  Hudson  Stoddard. 

"     Joseph  Camp. 

"     Cyrus  P'rancis. 

"     Henry  Martin  Robbins. 

"     Mrs.  Hopy  Loveland. 

"     Martha  Urania  Dow. 

"     Jane  Margaret  P^innegan. 

"     Mary  Jane  Stoddard. 

"     Lydia  Francis  Camp. 

"     Mnry  Elisabeth  Brown. 

"     Julia  Maria  Cady. 

"     Valina  Ann  Francis. 

",     Emeliue      Elisabeth      Kil- 
bourn. 


Nov.  4.     Nancy  Kilbourn. 

•'     Sarah  Thompson. 

"     Delia  Richards. 

"     Mary  Ann  Richards. 

"     Eliza  Kilbourn  Richards. 

"     Mary  Ann  Seymour. 

"     Sarah  Jane  Rockwell 
Jan.  13,    1856.     Daniel   D wight 
Willard. 

"     Julia  Norton  Atwood. 
Mar.  2.     Franklin  Carroll  Latti- 
mer. 

"     Thomas  Russell  Byrnes. 

"     Mary  K.  Richards,  wife  of 
Oliver. 
July  6.     Celinda  Clarissa  Wiers. 


11. 

BAPTISMS.  * 

April  2S,  1805.     Joshua,  s.  of  Fitch  Andrus  and  Lois  his  wife. 

May  5.     Ralph,  s.  of  Absalom  Wells  and  Lorrain  his  wife. 

Aug.  18.     Julia,  Nanc}-,  Chester,  and  Cynthia,  children  of  Solomon 
Churchill  and  Lucretia  his  wife. 

Oct.  27.     Irene  Andrus  and  Mary  t^hepard,  adults. 

Jan.  5,  1806.     John   Butler,  Jeimetle,  and   Lucy,  children  of  John 
Kirkham  and  Jennette  his  wife. 
"     Abigail  Deming,  d.  of  Leo.  C  Hubbard  and  Elizabeth  his  wife. 

May  1 8.     Jemima,  d.  of  Solomon  Churchill  and  Lucretia  his  wife. 

June  8.     Mary  Skinner,  d.  of  Joab  Brace  and  Lucy  his  wife. 

June  15.     Walter  Wells,  s.  of  Ashbel  Seymour  and  Mary  his  wife. 

Sept.  9.     Cornelia  Susanna  Wesley,  d.  of  Joseph  Lynde  and  Martha 
his  wife,  per  Mr.  Belden. 

Oct.  26.     John  Mason,  s.  of  Joshua  Belden,  Jr.,  and  Dorotha  his  wife. 
"     Monerva,  child  of Peck,  at  Kensington. 

May  31,  1807.     s.  of  Levi  Churchill. 

Sept.  6.     Rhoda,  d.  of  Absalom  Wells  and  Lorrain  his  wife. 

Aug.  28,  1808.     Mary,  d.  of  Justus  Francis  and  Lois  his  wife. 

Mar.  26,  1809.     Martha,  d.  of  Joab  Brace  and  Lucy  his  wife. 

June  25.     Hubertus,  s.  of  John  A.  Phillips  and  Honor  his  wife. 

Sept.  3.     Thomas  Foster,  s.  of  Reuben  Whaples  and  Zerviah  his  wife. 

Sept.  17.     Caroline,  d.  of  Levi  Deming  and  Sally  his  wife. 

May  13,  1810.     Calvin,  William,  Daniel,  Reuben,  and  Abigail,  chil- 
dren of  Reuben  Whaples  and  Zerviah  his  wife. 

July  1.     Joseph,  s.  of  Levi  Hurlburt  and  Lois  his  wife. 

Oct.  21.     Amelia,  Harriet,  Mary,  and  Hiram  Hopkins,  children  of 
Joseph  Hulet  and  Mary  his  wife. 

Aug.  11,  1811.     Seth  Collins,  s.  of  Joab  Brace  and  Lucy  his  wife. 


153 

Aug.  25.     William  Kirkham,  adult. 
"     Lucy,  the  wife  of  Simeon  Stoddard. 
"     Almira,  d.  of  John  A.  Phillips  and  Honor  his  wife. 

April  19,  1812.     Sally  JMaria,  d.  of  Levi  Deming  and  Sally  his  wife. 

May  10.     Martha,  d.  of  Levi  Hurlburt  and  Lois  his  wife. 

May  27.     Thomas,  a  black  man. 

May  31.     George,  s.  of  Reuben  Whaples  and  Zerviah  his  wife. 

June  14.  Hiram  Edward^;,  Sabra,  Nathan  Fenn,  Candace,  Joseph, 
and  Abigail  Honor,  children  of  Jonathan  Stoddard  and  Candace 
his  wife. 

Aug.  23.     Abigail,  wife  of  David  Hunn. 

May  2,  1813.     Abigail,  wife  of  Samuel  Whaples. 

June  27.  Newton,  William,  and  Simeon,  children  of  Simeon  Stod- 
dard and  Lucy  his  wife,  per  Mr.  Williams. 

July  18.  Enos  Higley,  Mary  Ann,  and  Albert  Smith,  children  of 
David  Hunn  and  Abigail  his  wife. 

Sept.  12.  Harriet,  Sally,  Fanny,  Henry,  Mary,  and  Laura,  children 
of  Samuel  Whrfples  and  Abigail  his  wife. 

Sept.  26.  Elisha,  Curtis,  and  James  Blinn,  children  of  Elisha  Wha- 
ples and  Nancy  his  wife. 

June  19,  1814.  Marcus  Willard,  s.  of  Allen  Stoddard  and  Mary  his 
wife. 

July  10.  Eliza,  (adopted,)  and  Mary  Anthony,  children  of  Origen 
Wells  and  Sarah  his  wife. 

Aug.  7.     Joab,  s.  of  Joab  Brace  and  Lucy  his  wife. 

"     Robert  and  Solomon  Welles,  children  of  Elisha  Whaples  and 
Sarah  his  wife. 

May  14,  1815.     Lucinda,  d.  of  Origen  Wells  and  Sarah  his  wife. 

July  2.  Martin  and  Roger  Welles,  children  of  Martin  Kellogg,  jr., 
and  Mary  his  wife. 

Oct.  15.     Abigail,  d.  of  Samuel  Whaples  and  Abigail  his  wife. 

Feb.  18,  1816.  Charlotte,  d.  of  Asaph  Willard  and  Sophronia  his 
wife. 

May  5.     Sophia,  wife  of  William  Kirkham. 

"     Henry  Laurens,  s.  of  Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  and  Mary  his  wife. 

July  7.     Mary  Sophia,  d.  of  Allen  Stoddard  and  Mary  his  wife. 

Nov.  17.     Fidelia,  d.  of  Simeon  Stoddard  and  Lucy  his  wife. 

May  25,  1817.     Samuel,  s.  of  Joab  Brace  and  Lucy  his  wife. 

June  22.     Jane,  d.  of  William  Kirkham  and  Sophia  his  wife. 

May  17,  1818.  James  Daniel,  s.  of  Asaph  Willard  and  Sophronia 
his  wife. 

May  24.     Levi  Sage,  s.  of  Levi  Deming  and  Sally  his  wife. 

Aug.  23.     Sarah  Sage,  d.  of  Elisha  Whaples  and  Sarah  his  wife. 

Nov.  15.     Sidney,  s.  of  Allen  Stoddard  and  Mary  his  wife. 

July  25,  1819.     Henry  Blannot,  adult. 

Aug.  22.     Mary,  d.  of  Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  and  Mary  his  wife. 

Sept.  5.     Ruth  Maria,  d.  of  Martin  Bams  and  Ruth  his  wife. 

Sept.  19.     Abigail  Kilbourn,  adult. 

Oct  17.     Sarah  Clarina,  d.  of  Origen  Welles  and  Sarah  his  wife. 
20 


154 

Oct.  17.     Jane,  d.  of  William  KirUham  and  Sophia  his  wife. 

Dec.  5.     Lucy  Ann  Sophronia,  d.  of  Asaph  Willard  and  Sophronia 

his  wife. 
June  18,  1820.     Mary,  Henry,  Harriet,  Edwin  Washington,  Fanny, 

and  Nancy,  childien  of  Henry  Blannot  and  Harriet  his  wife. 
Aug.  6.     Harriet,  d.  of  Robert  Rockwell  and  Harriet  his  wife. 
Aug.  20,     Sabra  Kilbourn,  adult. 

"     Elizabeth  Kilbourn,  adult. 
Sept.  24.     Anoanda,  Emily,  Nancy,  Samuel  Stanley,  and  Silvester, 

children  of  Silvester  Hurlburt  and  Nancy  his  wife. 
Oct.  4.     Julia  Norton,  d.  of  Martin  Welles  and  Frances  his  wife. 

The  following  persons  were  adults  : 
May  6,  1821.     Elisha  Whaples,  1st. 

"     Laura  Willard,  wife  of  Daniel  Willard. 

"     Eunice  Hubbard,  wife  of  Dositheus  Hubbard. 

"     Sarah  Dow,  wife  of  Samuel  Dow. 

"     Nancy  Drinkwater,  wife  of  Thomas  Drinkwater. 

"     Mary  Deming,  wife  of  Jedidiah  Deming. 

"     Fanny  Hopkins,  wife  of  Horace  Hopkins 

''     Giles  Smith. 

"     Anson  Whaples  and  Sarah  his  wife. 
May  6.     William  M'Carty. 

''     Sophia  Luce,  wife  of  Lester  Luce. 

"     Harriet  Hopkins,  wife  of  Benjamin  Hopkins. 

"     Electa,  wife  of  Roger  Welles. 

"     Aaron  Tryon. 

"     Zerah  Preston. 

"     Erastus  Kilbourn. 

"     John  Cheney  Dow. 

"     Sarah  Dow. 

"     Huldah  Sedgwick. 
July  1.     Thomas  Drinkwater. 

"     Rebekah  Tryon. 

"     Henry  Kilbourn. 
Aug.  5.     James,  s.  of  William  Kirkham  and  Sophia  his  wife. 

"     Charles  Kellogg,  s.  of  Josiah  Atwood  and  Prudence  his  wife. 
Aug.  19.     Sarah  and  William  Smith,  children  of  William  Deming 
and  Sarah  his  wife. 

"     Harriet  Amanda,  Nancy  Maria,  and  Horace  Kilbourn,  children 
of  Thomas  Drinkwater  and  Nancy  his  wife. 

"     Cornelia,  Mary  Lusk,  and  Jedidiah,  children  of  Jedidiah  Dem- 
ing and  Mary  his  wife. 

"     Frances  Norton,   Edwin,  and   Charlotte  Jemima,  children  of 
Roger  Welles  and  Electa  his  wife. 

"     Delia,  d.  of  Benjamin  Hopkins  and  Harriet  his  wife. 

"     Henry,  s.  of  Lester  Luce  and  Sophia  his  wife. 
Aug.  2G.     Susan  Sophia,  d.  of  Origen  Wells  and  Sarah  his  wife. 
Sept.  2.     Reuben  Whaples,  Harriet  Hall,  Erastus  Lattimer,  adults. 

«     Rhoda,  Daniel,  Elizabeth,  William  Francis,  children  of  Daniel 
Willard  and  I^ajira  his  wife. 


155 

Sept.  2.     William,  Eunice  Maria,  Emily,  Orrin,  children  of  Dositheus 
Hubbard  and  Eunice  his  wife. 
"     Samuel  Russell,  s.  of  Giles  Smitb  and  Lydia  his  wife. 
'*     Henry,   Richard,   Julia   Ann,  children  of   Aaron    Tryon  and 
Rebekah  his  wife. 
Sept.  30.     Martha  and  William,  children  of  William  McCarty  and 
Jerusha  his  wife. 
"     Mary  Ann,  and  Angeline  Belden,  children  of  Josiah  W.  Gris- 
wold  and  IMary  Ann  his  wife.  , 

Oct.  21.     Franklin  Blin,  s.  of  Henry  Blannot  and  Harriet  his  wife. 
Nov.  4.     Samuel  Mills,  s.  of  Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  and  Mary  his  wife. 
Mar.  31 ,  1822.     Albert  Francis,  s.  of  Aaron  Tryon  and  Rebekah  his 

wife. 
May  5.     Samuel  Talmage,  Lucinda  Deming,  Robey  Williams,  Jona- 
than   Barton,   Royal   Sereno,  and    Cornelia   Hale,  children  of 
Archibald  Hall  and  Harriet  his  wife. 
"     Henry  Benjamin,  George  Botsford,  and  Horace  Root,  children 

of  Horace  Hopkins  and  Fanny  his  wife. 
"     Sarah  Maria,  and   Walter,  children  of   Anson  Whaples  and 

Sarah  his  wife. 
"     Elizabeth  Emery,  d.  of  Robert  Rockwell  and  Harriet  his  wife. 
June  2.     Abigail,  Catherine,  Wilhara,  Frances  Griswold,  and  John 

Gaylord,  children  of  William  Wells  and  Catherine  his  wife. 
July  7.  George  Grannis,  s.  of  Giles  Smith  and  Lydia  his  wife. 
Aug.  11.     Chester  Wells,  s.  of  William  McCarty  and  Jerusha  his 

wife. 
Dec.  29.     Rufus,  s.  of  Allen  Stoddard  and  Mary  his  wife. 
April  18,  1823.     Joshua,  s.  of  Sylvester  Hurlbut  and  Nancy  his  wife. 
July  6.     Elizabeth  Cook,  d.  of  William  Kirkham  and  Sophia  his  wife. 
"     Julia,  d.  of  Roger  Welles  and  Electa  his  wife. 
"     Josiah  Elbert,  s.  of  Josiah  Atwood  and  Prudence  his  wife. 
July  20.     Henry  James,  s.  of  Henry  Blannot  and  Harriet  his  wife. 
Aug.  1 7.     Delia,  Lemuel,  Laura  Kellogg,  Hannah,  children  of  Asaph 

Whittlesey  and  Laura  his  wife. 
May  23,  1824.     Nathan  Fenn,  s.  of  Robert  Rockwell  and  Harriet 

his  wife. 
June  6.     Lucy,  d.  of  Origen  Wells  and  Sarah  his  wife. 

"     Hapsebath,  d.  of  Jedidiah  Deming  and  Mary  his  wife. 
Aug.  29.     John  Whitman,  s.  of  Joab  Brace  and  Lucy  his  wife. 

"     Julia,  d.  of  Anson  Whaples  and  Sarah  his  wife. 
Oct.  24.     Thomas  Robbins,  s.  of  Josiah  Atwood  and  Prudence  his 
wife. 
"     Emily  Eliza,  d.  of  wid.  Lydia  Parker  of  New  York. 
Nov.  21.     Edwin  Boardman,  s.  of  J.  W.  Griswold  and  Mary  Anne 

his  wife. 
June  12,  1825.     Levi  Sedgwick,  s.  of  Horace  Wells  and  Pamela  his 

wife. 
Sept.  4.     Rollin  Peck,  s.  of  Horace  Hopkins  and  Fanny  his  wife. 
Sept.  18.     Samuel  Newton,  s.  of  Robert  Rockwell  and  Harriet  his 
wife. 


156 

Sept.  25.     Martha  Edwards,  d.  of  Henry  Blannot  and  Harriet  his 

wife,  per  Mr.  Robbins. 
Oct.  2.     Charles,  s.  of  Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  and  Mary  his  wife. 

"     Joseph  Camp,  s.  of  Edwin  Gaylord  and  Lucy  his  wife. 
Oct.  23.     Wyllis,  s.  of  Benjamin  Hopkins  and  Hai'riet  his  wife. 
May  7,  1826.     Prudence  Deming,  Mary  Ann  Beckwith,  Mary  Cole, 
adults. 

"     Marilla,  d.  of  Dositheus  Hubbard  and  Eunice  his  wife. 
June  4.     John  Mitchelson,  s.  of  Josiah  Atwood  and  Prudence  his 
wife. 

"     Abigail,  d.  of  Roger  and  Electa  "Welles. 
Aug.  20.     John  Stoddard,  s.  of  William  and  Sophia  Kirkham. 

"  ■  Joshua  Chauncey,  s.  of  Lester  and  Sophia  Luce. 
Dec.  6.     Abigail,  d.  of  Josiah  W,  and  Mary  Ann  Griswold. 
Jan.  7,  1827.     Anna  Wells,  adult. 
Feb.  11.     Samuel,  s.  of  John  C.  and  Laura  Dow. 
Mar.  27.     Hapsebath,  d.  of  Jedidiah  Deming. 
May  6.     Mary  Avaline,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Salome  Cunningham. 
May  27.     Robert  Raikes,  s.  of  Robert  and  Harriet  Rockwell. 
Aug.  19.     Harriet  Prudence,  d.  of  Josiah  and  Prudence  Atwood. 
Sep.  16.     Harriet  Eliza,  d.  of  Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn. 
Sep.  16.     Mary  Webb,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
Oct.  7.     Eunice  Cordelia,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Seviah  Lattimer. 
May  18,  1828.     John  Gaylord,  s.  of  Hiram  E.  and  Fanny  Stoddard. 
May  25.     John  Belden,  s.  of  Josiah  W.  and  Mary  Ann  Griswold. 

"     Lucy  Lowrey,  d.  of  Unni  and  Sarah  Robbins. 
June  22.     James  Butler,  s.  of  James  and  Anna  Blinn. 
Aug.  10.     Nancy  Angeline,  d.  of  Elisha  and  Amanda  Whaples. 
Oct.  19.     Julia,  d.  of  Chester  and  Lucretia  Churchill. 
Mar.  16,  1829.     Horace,  s.  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
May  3.     Dorothy  Stoddard,  adult. 

"     Eleanor  Celia  Wells,  adult. 
May  17.     Sophia  Leffingwell,  d.  of  William  and  Sophia  Kirkham. 
May  24.     Henry  Sedgwick,  s.  of  Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn. 
June  21.     Sarah  Welles,  d.  of  Martin  and  Mary  KeHogg. 
July  12.     Roger,  s.  of  Roger  and  Electa  Welle«. 
Sept.  13.     Joseph,  s.  of  Robert  and  Harriet  Rockwell. 
Oct.  25.     Lucy  Lowrey,  d.  of  Unni  and  Sarah  Robbins. 
June  13,  1830.     Mary  Kellogg,  d.  of  Josiah  and  Prudence  Atwood. 

"     Heman  Francis,  s.  of  Hiram  E.  and  Fanny  Stoddard. 
June  20.     Lemuel  Whittlesey,  s.  of  Homer  and  Delia  Camp. 

"     Eunice,  d.  of  Anson  and  Sarah  Whaples. 
June  27.     Jane  Eliza,  d.  of  Josiah  W.  and  Mary  Ann  Griswold. 
July  19.     Joseph,  s.  of  Samuel  and  Rhoda  Clark. 
Aug.  8.     Jane  Aurelia,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Seviah  Lattimer. 
Aug.  13.     John  Churchill,  s.  of  John  Dow. 
Sept.  5.     Loretta,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
May  1,  1831.     Lucretia,  wife  of  Chester  Churchill. 
May  15.     Abigail  Jane,  d.  of  Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn. 
July  24.     Sarah  Jane,  d.  of  Robert  and  Harriet  Rockwell. 


157 

Jan.  1,  1832.     Augustus  Wilson,  Henry  G.  Tucker,  Electa  Hazzard, 

Amanda  A.  Whaples,  Julia  A.  Stoddard,  adults. 
May  6.     Lot  Beckwith,  Hannah  Hunter,  adults. 

"     William,  s.  of  William  and  Sopliia  Kirk  ham. 
May  13.     Delia  Ann,  d.  of  James  and  Anna  Blinn. 
May  27.     William  Sherman,  s.  of  William  and  Charity  P.  Clark. 

"     Erastus,  s.  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
June  10.     Julia  Norton,  d.  of  Josiah  and  Prudence  At  wood. 

"     Laura  Kellogg,  d.  of  Homer  and  Deh'a  Camp. 
July  15.     Francis,  s.  of  Chester  and  Lucretia  Churchill. 
July  29.     Mary  Urania  and  Martha  Eunice,  ds.  of  Anson  and  Sarah 

Whaples. 
Oct.  7.     Warren  Day,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Amanda  Whaples. 
Nov.  4.     Sarah  Theodotia,  d.  of  Unni  and  Sarah  Robbins. 
Dec.  30.     Samuel,  s.  of  Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn. 
June  23,  1833.     Electa  Stanley,  d.  of  Roger  and  Electa  Welles. 
May  4,  1834.     Josiah  Atwood,  adult. 
June  8.     Timothy  Woodford,  s.  of  Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn. 

"     Lemuel  Franklin,  s.  of  William  and  Charity  P.  Clark. 
June  15.     Elisha  Bui-rit,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 

"     Henry  Edwin,  s.  of  James  and  Anna  Blinn. 
Aug.  3.     Laura  Churchill,  d.  of  John  C.  and  Martha  Dow. 
Aug.  10.     Abigail  Whaples,  d.  of  Robert  and  Harriet  Rockwell. 
Sept.  21.     Mary  Jane,  d.  of  Hiram  E.  and  Fanny  Stoddard. 
Nov.  2.     Charles  Clinton,  s.  of  Erastus  and  Seviah  Lattimer. 
Aug.  2,  1835.     Chauncey  Wright,  s.  of  James  and  Anna  Blinn. 

"     Franklin,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 
Sept.  27.     John  Wallace,  s.  of  Anson  and  Sarah  Whaples. 

"     Timothy  Woodford,  s.  of  Henry  Kilbourn. 
Oct.  11.     Caroline  Anna,  d.  of  Homer  and  Delia  Camp. 
Oct.  18.     Mary,  d.  of  Unni  and  Sarah  Robbins. 
July  31,  1836.     Martha  Urania,  d*.  of  John  C.  and  Martha  Dow. 
Aug.  14.     Agnes  Whittlesey,  d.  of  Joshua  and  Agnes  Belden. 
Oct.  2.     Elizabeth,  d.  of  Rev.  S.  N.,  and  xMartha  B.  Shepard. 
Oct.  9.     Sarah  Denman,'d.  of  Rev.  John  and  Mary  S.  B.  Todd. 
Aug.  27,  1837.     Alraira  Day,  d.  of  Henry  and  Emeline  G.  Kilbourn. 

"     Chauncey  Mason,  s.  of  Erastus  and  Elmira  Kilbourn. 

"     Esther  Amelia,  d.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 
Oct.  8.     Mary,  d.  of  Chester  and  Lucretia  Churchill. 
Oct.  22.     Hiram  Hudson,  s  of  Hiram  E.  and  Fanny  Stoddard. 
Nov.  19.     Emily  Sophia,  d.  of  Lowrey  and  Emily  Robbins. 
May  6,  1838.     Unni  Robbins,  Hannah  Kelsey,  Minerva  C.  Rodgers, 

and  Mary  Wells,  adults. 
July  1.     Elisha  Blinn,  Sophronia  Tucker,  Mary  Tucker,  Eliza  Jane 

Davis,  Julia  Ann  Lucretia  Davis,  Mary  Seymour,  adults. 
Sept.  9.     Nancy,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
Sept.  30.     Mary  Abilene,  d.  of  John  C.  and  Martha  Dow. 
Oct.  21.     Richard,  s.  of  William  and  Sophia  Kirkham. 
Nov.  4.     Mary  Blinn,  adult. 
Nov.  11.     Daniel  Dwight,  s.  of  Daniel  H.  and  Maria  S.  D.  Willard. 


158 

Feb.  17,  1839.     Emeline  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Henry  and  Emeline  G. 

Kilbourn. 
Oct.  27.     B'anny  Eliza,  d.  of  Hiram  E.  and  Fanny  F.  Stoddard. 

"     Henry  Martin,  s.  of  Unni  and  Sarah  D.  Robbins. 
Feb.  1,  1840.     Infant  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
Feb.  9.     IMary  Elizabeth,  d.  of  John  M.  and  Mary  E.  H.  Belden. 
April  4.     Pollen,  d.  of  William  and  Sophia  Kirkham. 
Sept.  20.     Shubael  Hart,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Amanda  A.  Whaples. 
Feb.  11,  1841.     Walter  Lowrey,  s.  of  Lowrey  and  Emily  Robbins. 
Mar.  28.     Samuel  Hart,  s.  of  Henry  and  Emeline  G.  Kilbourn. 
May  2.     Chauncey  Deming,  adult. 

June  20.     Charles  Levi,  s.  of  Daniel  H.  and  Maria  S.  D.  Willard. 
June  27.     Mary,  d.  of  Stephen  and  Sophronia  Saunders. 
May  22,  1842.     John  Davis,  s.  of  James  and  Eliza  I.  D.  Griswold. 
May  31.     Lucy  Frances,  d.  of  James  and  Anna  Blinn. 
July  24.     Mary  Jane,  d.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 
Aug.  28.     Henry  Willis,  s.  of  Willis  P.  and  Mary  T.  Davis. 
Sept.  11.     John  Newton,  s.  of  Erastus  and  Elmina  Kilbourn. 
April  30,  1843.     Sarah  Adaline,  d.  of  John  F.  and  Mary  A.  W. 

Willard. 
June  4.     Lucretia  Davis,  James  Blinn,  Henry  and  Martha  Deming. 
Wyllis  Philander  Davis,  Hannah  Maria  Luce,  Charles  Stoddard, 
Andrew  Jackson,  Julia  Pierce,  Carlos  Huntley,  George  Thomas 
Davis,  adults. 
July  16.     Agnes  Whittlesey,  d.  of  John  M.  and  Mary  E.  H.  Belden. 

•'     Burdett  Eugene,  s.  of  Daniel  H.  and  Maria  S.  D.  Willard. 
Aug.  20.     Marcus  Lent,  s.  of  Henry  and  Emeline  G.  Kilbourn. 
Oct.  15.     Julia  Newell,  d.  of  Lowrey  and  Emily  Robbins. 
Nov.  19.     George  Scranton,  s.  of  Levi  S.  and  Caroline  S.  Deming. 
Nov.  10,  1844.     Levi  Welles,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 
June  8,  1845.     Joseph  and  Lydia  Francis,  children  of  Joseph  Camp. 
July  20.     Cornelia  Hale,  d.  of  John  M.  and  Mary  E.  H.  Belden. 
Mar.  15,  1846.     Stephen  Dwight,  s.  of  Stephen  P.  and  Maria  H. 

Lamberton. 
April  27.     Child  of  Rev.  Mr.  Keeler. 
July  19.     Frances  Arabella,  d.  of  Lowrey  and  Emily  Robbins. 

"     Newell  Foote,  s.  of  Chauncey  Deming. 
Aug.  23.     De Forest,  s.  of  Daniel  H.  and  Sarah  M.  D.  Willard. 

"     Edward  Levi,  s.  of  Levi  S.  and  Caroline  S.  Deming. 
Aug.  30.     Eugene  Franklin,  s.  of  Willis  P.  and  Mary  T.  Davis. 
Nov.  15.     John  Newel,  s.  of  John  C.  and  Martha  Dow. 
July  4,  1847.     Agnes  Whittlesey,  d.  of  John  M.  and  Mary  E.  H. 

Belden. 
Oct.  3.     John  Franklin,  s.  of  Stephen  P.  and  Maria  H.  Lamberton. 
Oct.  10.     Harriet  Lavinia,  d.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 

"     William  Albert,  s.  of  William  and  Margaret  T.  Hubbard. 
Oct.  29,  1848.     Mary  Deming,  d.  of  William  and  Cornelia  Wells. 
Nov.  19.     Mary  Ellen,  d.  of  Willis  P.  and  Mary  T.  Davis. 
Dec.  17.     Clarence  Henry,  s.  of  Samuel  N.  and  Eliza  H.  Rockwell. 


159 

Mar.  11,  1849.     Henry  Marius,  s.  of  Henry  and   Hannali   Maria 

Luce. 
April  1.     Joshua,  s.  of  John  M.  and  Mary  E.  H.  Belden. 
May  27.     Jane  Electa,  d.  of  Heman  A.  and  Eunice  C.  Whittlesey. 
July  22.     David  Lowrey,  s.  of  Lowrey  and  Emily  Robbins. 
July  29.     Elbert  Edwards  and  Ellen  Eunice,  children  of  Erastus 

and  Elmina  Kilbourn, 
Jan.  18,  1850.     Thomas  Wilson,  s.  of  Hugh  Davies  and  wife. 
Mar.  24.     Edward  Merton,  s.  of  William  F.  and  France^  G.  Willard. 
Sept.  1.     Catharine  Griswold,  d.  of  William  and  Cornelia  Wells. 
Oct.  31.     Lewis  Stephen,  s.  of  William  and  Margaret  T.  Hubbard. 
June  29,  1851.     Martha  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Willis   P.  and  Mary  T. 

Davis. 
Dec.  14.     William,  s.  of  Hugh  and  IMargaret  Daviej^. 
Sept.  12,  1852.     Caroline  Elizabeth,  d.  of   Levi   S.  and   Caroline 

Deming. 
"     Abbot,  s.  of  William  F.  and  Frances  G.  Willard. 
"     William  Gaylord,  s.  of  William  and  Cornelia  Well-;. 
May  29,  1853.     Ellen  Amanda,  d.  of  Jedidiah  W.  and  Nancy  A. 

Deming. 
June  5.     Julia,  d.  of  John  M.  and  Mary  E.  H.  Belden. 
June  5.     John  Wilson,  s.  of  Hugh  and  Margarette  Davies. 
Nov.  12.     Laura  Lewella,  d.  of  John  C.  and  Martha  Dow. 
May  21,  1854.     Mary,  d.  of  John,D.  and  Abigail  W.  Seymour. 

*'     Fanny  Augusta,  d.  of  Edwin  and  Lucy  L.  R.  Welles. 
June  18.     Cornelia  Lucretia,  d.  of  Wyllis  P.  and  Mary  T.  Davis. 
July  9.     Frederick  Wayland,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn. 
Sept.  24.     John  Hammond,  s.  of  Roger  and  Harriet  Mills. 
Oct.  22.     Cornelia  Augusta,  d.  of  William  and  Cornelia  Wells. 
Dec.  31.     Marcus  Lewis,  s.  of  Marcds  W.  and  Frances  S.  .Stoddard.* 
Jan.  17,  1855.     Elizabeth  Caroline,  d.  of  William  Noah  Turner  and 

Jane  McElrath. 
June  24.     Rebecca  Smalley,  d.  of  Rev.  J.  S.  and  E.  G.  Whittlesey. 
"     Eunice  Cornelia,  d.  of  Heman  A.  and  E.  C.  Whittlesey. 
"     Marshall  Allen,  s.  of  Rufus  and  S.  W.  Stoddard. 
"     Edward  Laurens,  s.  of  G.  T.  and  M.  A.  Davis. 
Nov.  4.     Samuel   Chauncey   Dix,    Henry   Elbert   Loveland,    Cyrus 

Francis,  Jane  Margaret  Finnegan,  Mary  Elisabeth  Brown,  Julia 

Maria  Cady,  Valina  Ann  Francis,  Delia  Richards,  Mary  Ann 

Richards,  Eliza  Kilbourn  Richards,  adults. 
Mar.    2,    1856.     Franklin    Carroll    Lattimer   and   Thomas    Russell 

Byrnes,  adults. 
May  11.     Mary  Elisabeth,  Dwight  Nelson,  Ella  Harriet,  and  Sarah 

Adaletta,  children  of  the  late  Nelson  Dillings  and  Harriet  his 

wife. 
July  6.     Celinda  Clarissa  Wiers,  adult. 
Oct.  5.     Roger  Welles,  s.  of  John  D.  and  Abigail  Seymour. 

*  The  last  entry  by  Dr.  Brace. 


160 
III. 

MARRIAGES. 

Jan.  20,   1805.     Arthur  Andrus,  s.  of  Elizur  Andrus,  and   Mary 

Ino^raham,  both  of  Wethersfield. 
Api'il   15.     Daniel   Webster,  s.  of   Amos  A.  Webster,  and   Anne 

Andrus,  d  of  Elizur  Andrus. 
April  22.     Elisha  Stoddard  and  Beulah  Wells. 
May     9.     Erastus  Seymour  and  Clara  Wells. 
May   12.     Lyman  Brown  and  Sarah  Try  on. 
Sept.    5.     Abel  Penfield  and  Sally  Richards. 
vSept.  12.     Simeon  Stoddard  and  Lucy  Kellogg. 
Sept.  18.     Asaph  Whittlesey  and  Laura  Kellogg. 
Nov.  18.     Appleton  Francis  and  Charlotte  Webster. 
Jan.    21,  1806.     Samuel  S.  Goodrich  and  Lina  Kelsey. 
Feb.   16.     John  A.  Phillips  and  Honor  Blinn. 
Feb.  26.     William  Deming  and  Sally  Smith. 
May  24.     Gilbert  Chapman  and  Sabra  Winchel. 
June     8.     Stephen  Webster  and  Hannah  Kilbourn. 
June  17.     .John  Dow  and  Lucy  Andrus. 
July    23.     Elisha  H.  Street  and  Patty  Latimer. 
Aug.  12.     David  Hunn  and  Abigail  Higley. 
Aug.  17.     Archibald  Hall  and  Harriet  Deming. 
Nov.   1 8.     Lester  Hunn  and  Caty  Goodrich. 
April  28,  1807.     Daniel  Willard  and  Laura  Francis. 
May    13.     Jacob  Bates,  jr.,  and  Mary  Robbins. 
June   18.     Joseph  D.  Kinyon  and  Sabra  Howard. 
July     2.     Thomas  S.  Curtis  and  Lois  Blinn. 
Aug.     9,     Charles  Olcott  and  Sarah  Churchill. 
Nov.    3.     Amos  A.  Webster  and  Mary  Rice. 

•'     12.     Henry  Fox  and  Zilpah  Brown. 
Jan.      6,  1808.     Epaphras  Andrus  and  Abigail  Wells. 
Mar.  29.     Horace  Goodwin  and  Lydia  Andrews. 
June  23.     Sylvester  Hurlburt  and  Nancy  Stanley  of  Berlin. 

"      "       John  Pine  and  Harriet  Wetherby  of  Rocky  Hill. 
Aug.  30.     Josiah  Huntington  and  Rachel  Hinsdale  of  West  Hartford. 
Sept.  26.     Martin  Kellogg,  jr.,  and  Mary  Welles. 
Oct.    24.     Luman  Woodruff  and  Laura  Holmes. 
Jan.      4,  1809.     Elizur  Deming,  jr.,  and  Sally  Goodrich. 
April   5.     Thomas  Clark  and  Alma  Wells. 
June     0.     James  Phillips  and  Persis  Hopkins. 
July  30.     Levi  Hurlburt  and  Lois  Johnson. 
Aug.  20.     Emmonds  Rudge  and  Lucy  Squire. 
Sept.    3.     Barzillai  Deming  and  Fanny  Barns. 

"     23.     Abijah  Porter  and  Betsey  Wilcox  of  Worthington. 

"     24.     Benjamin  Pettis  and  Anna  Nott  of  Worthington. 
May     2,  1810.     Henry  Blannot  and  Harriet  Blinn. 

"       9.     Chauncey  North  and  Abigail  Griswold. 
Oct.    15.     Samuel  T.  Mills  and  Harriet  M.  Belden. 

''     17.     Thomas  Drink  water  and  Nancy  Kilbourn. 


161 

Nov.  13.     Nathan  W.  Hale  and  Jemima  Kellogg. 

Jan.    24,  1811.     Rice  Carrington  and  Abigail  Fox. 

Mar.     5.     Abel  Matson  of  Glastonbury,  and  Mabel  Holmes  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

May   1 2.     William  Wells  and  Catherine  Griswold  of  Wethersfield. 

June  23.     George  Coleman  and  Prudence  May  Warner  of  Wethers- 
field. 

Sept.    9.     John  Churchill  and  Laura  Wells  of  Wethersfield. 

'*      "       Elijah    Howard  of   Greenfield,  and    Sarah  Hurlburt  of 

Wethersfield. 
"     29.     Ebenezer  P.  Owen  and  Sally  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 

Nov.  28.     Leonard  Webster  and  Alma  Rockwell  of  Wethersfield. 

Jan.    12,  1812.     Ebenezer  Gillet  of  Lebanon,  and  Rocsey  Rhodes  of 
Wethersfield. 
'*     14.     John  Dodge  of  North  Marlboi'o,  and  Lucy  Langdon  of 
Danbury. 

Feb.   17.     Wait  Griswold  and  Elizabeth  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 
"     27.     William  Dunham  and  Nancy  Peck  of  Kensington. 

Mar.    9.     Warner  Dunham  of  Berlin,  and  Mary  Andrews  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 
"     1 0.     Amos  Andrus  and  Mille  Wells  of  Wethersfield. 

May  26.     Allen  Stoddard  and  Mary  Wells  of  Wethersfield. 

June     3.     Andrew  Brown  and  Elizabeth  Holmes  of  Wethersfield. 

Sept.  10.     William  McCarter  and  Jerusha  Fox  of  Wethersfield. 

Oct.    27.     Gideon  Gates  of  Derby,  and  Lucy  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 

Mar.  16,  1813.     Edwin  Gay  lord  of  West  Hartford,  and  Lucy  Camp 
of  Wethersfield. 

Oct.    19.     Benoni   Hubbard   of  Windsor,  and   Abigail   Francis  of 
Wethersfield. 

Jan.    24,  1814.     Solomon  Churchill  and  Chloe  Deming  of  Wethers- 
field. 

May  29.     Jeremiah   Colton  of  Long  Meadow,  and  Lucy  Lusk  of 
Wethersfield. 

Sept.  18.     Anson    Francis  of   Wethersfield,  and   Almira   Owen  of 
Ashford. 

Oct.    19.     Joshua  Andrus  of  Wethersfield,  and  Prudence  Camp  of 
Hartford. 

Jan.    17,  1815.     Asaph  Willard  of  East  Windsor,  and  Sophronia 
Wells  of  Wethersfield. 
"     29.     Jedidiah  Deming  and  Mary  Lusk  of  Wethersfield. 

Mar.  12.     Oliver  Talcott  and  Mary  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 

"     23.     Henry  Fuller  of  Colchester,  and  Chloe  Webster  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

April  1 6.     Roger  Welles  and  Electa  Stanley  of  Wethersfield. 

May     7.     Abijah  Hubbard  of  Middletown,  and  Hannah  Brown  of 
Wethersfield. 

Oct.    19.     George  Wells  of  Wethersfield,  and  Prudence  Deming  of 
West  Hartford. 

Feb.     4,  1816.     Oliver  Wells  and  Abigail  Warner  of  Wethersfield. 

21 


162 

Feb.  22.     Horace  Porter  and  Mabel  "Webster  of  Wethersfield. 
"     29.     Charles  Stedman  of  Farmington,  and  Elizabeth  Kellogg 
of  Wethersfield. 
Mar.  17.     Benjamin  Hopkins  and  Harriet  Lusk  of  Wethersfield. 
Sept.  1 6.     William  Ellis  of  Berlin,  and  Lydia  Webster  of  Wethers- 
field. 
"     29.     Thompson  Kasson  of  Broad-Alban,  and  Mary  Warner  of 
Wethersfield. 
Nov.  20.     Grandison   Barber   of  Windsor,  and   Laura    Francis   of 
Wethersfield. 
"     27.     James  Churchill  of  Wethersfield,  and  Clarissa  Steele  of 
Berlin. 
Jan.    16,  1817.     Hubbard  Wescott  and  Nancy  Hooper  of  Wethers- 
field. 
Nov.  25.     Lester  Luce  of  Tolland,  and  Sophia  Lattimer  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 
June     7,1818.     Heman  Whittlesey  of  Stock  bridge,  and  Electa  Kel- 

logg  of  Wethersfield. 
Aug.  25.     Alfred  Francis  and  Nancy  Deming  of  Wethersfield. 
Oct.    14.     Jonathan  Stoddard  and  Dorothy  Brown  of  Wethersfield.  • 

"      "       Anson  Whaples  and  Sally  Kilbourn  of  Wethersfield. 
Nov.  22.     Abram  Hills  of  Berlin,  and  Lydia  Brown  of  Wethersfield. 
"     26.     Robert  Rockwell  and  Harriet  Whaples  of  Wethersfield. 
"      "       Robert  Booth  of  Berlin,  and  Sally  Whaples  of  Wethers- 
field. 
Dec.  31.     David  Crocker  and  Nancy  Warner  of  Wethersfield. 
Feb.     3,1819.     Chester  Soper  of  Winchester,  and  Charlotte  Welles 

of  Wethersfield. 
Mar.  15.     James  Andrews  of  Burlington,  and  Lydia  Wells  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 
June  10.     Allen  Judd  of  Berlin,  and  Harriet  E.  Johnson  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 
"     10.     Justus  Griswold  and  Jennette  Kirkhara  of  Wethersfield. 
"     13.     Normon  Beckley  of  Berlin,  and  Mary  Evans  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 
Oct.    18.     Josiah  Atwood  of  Hartford,  and  Prudence   Kellogg  of 
Wethersfield. 
"     27.     Ralph  Wells  and  Julia  Roberts  of  Wethersfield. 
Feb.  16,  1820.     Noadiah  Bosworth  of  Westfield,  and  Anne  Wells 

of  Wethersfield. 
April  13.     Hiram  Goodrich  and  Susan  Crocker  of  Wethersfield. 
«     23.     Noah  Tryon  of  Berlin,  and  Lucinda  Westcott  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 
Jan.      9,  1821.     George  Tucker  and  Sophronia  Blinn  of  Wethers- 
field. 
"     21.     Beriah    Green  of    Pawlet,  Vt.,  and   Maria   Deming   of 
Middlebury,  Vt. 
Feb.   11.    Jeremiah  House  of   Glastenbury,  and  Fanny  Blinn  of 
Wethersfield. 


163 

April    3.     Seth  Woodruff  of  Suffield,  and  Lois  Hurlburt  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Sept.  13.     William  M'Clintick  of  Palmer,  Mass.,  and  Huldah  Case 
of  Wethersfield. 

Oct.      8.     William  Barns  of  Lee,  and  Sarah  Holmes  of  Wethers- 
field. 
"     25.     Alanson  Colton  and  Lucy  Deming  of  Wethersfield. 

Dec.  20.     Jason   Stevens  of   Glastenbnry,  and    Fanny  Whaples  of 
Wethersfield. 

May     9,  1822.     Jeremiah  Ward  and  Abigail  Hurlburt  of  Wethers- 
field. 

June  23.     Douglass  Woodworth  of  New  London,  and  Almira  War- 
ner of  Wethersfield. 

Sept.    3.     Benjamin  Whaples  of  Wethersfield,  and  Climena  Sander- 
son of  Blandford. 

Nov.  21.     Cyrus  Webster  and  Cynthia  Churchill  of  Wethersfield. 

June  23,  1823.     Cyrus  Francis  and  Sahara  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 

Nov.  27.     William  Blinn  and  Sally  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 

"     25,  1824.     Hiram  Kilbourn  and  Mary  Crocker  of  Wethers- 
field. 

Dec.     9.     Erastus  Lattimer  of  Wethersfield,  and  Seviah  Webster  of 
Worthington. 

April    3,  1825.     Andrew  Roulston  and  Eunice  Skinner  of  Wethers- 
field. 

May     5.     Lyman  Booth  and  Keziah  Andrews  of  Berlin. 

July   10.     Joseph  Mather  of  Berlin,  and  Hannah  Sage  of  Wethers- 
field. 
"     17.     Erastus  Francis  and  Bertha  B.  Stoddard  of  Wethersfield. 
*'     25.     Edward   Howard  of  Leyden,  and   Candace  Stoddard  of 
Wethersfield. 

Aug.     7.     William  H.  Smith  and  INIarcia  North  of  Berlin. 

"     16.     Thomas  Wells  of  Tolland,  and  Nancy  Seymour  of  Weth- 

field. 
"     23.     John  C.  Dow  and  Laura  Churchill  of  Wethersfield. 

Nov.  24.     Charles  Clark  and  Elizabeth  Beckley. 

Mar.     6,  1826.     Michael    Applebee    of    Middletown,   and    Abigail 
Whaples  of  Wethersfield. 
"       7.     Henry  Kilbourn  and  Huldah  Sedgwick  of  Wethersfield. 

Sept.    3.     Stephen  Hazzard  of  Berlin,  and  Electa  Landers  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Mar.  11,  1827.     Rev.  John  Todd  of  Groton,  Mass.,  and  Mary  S. 
Brace  of  Wethersfield. 
"     29.     Araasa  S.   Fanning  of  Lebanon,  and  Lucinda  Sage  of 
Wethersfield. 

April  29.     Lewis   Goodrich  of  Wethersfield,  and  Violetia  Case  of 
Simsbury. 

May   16.     Stephen  Tando  and  Betsey  Squires  of  Wethersfield. 

Nov.     1.     Merit  Baldwin  of  New  Hartford,  and   Rhoda  Wells  of 
Wethersfield. 
"     29.     Philip  Camp  and  Mary  Green  of  Wethersfield. 


164 

Feb.  26,  1828.     James  North  sen.,  and  Abi  Frances  of  New  Britain. 
April    9.     James  Blinn  Whaples  and  Robey  Williams  Hall  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

July     3.     Dennis  Sweet  of  Farmington,  and  Caroline  Hart  of  Ber- 
lin. 

Aug.  18.     Winthrop  Cinnamon  of  Hartford,  and  Elizabeth  Green  of 
Wethersfield. 
"     27.     Samuel  Dix  and  Elizabeth  Kilbourn  of  Wethersfield. 

Nov.  19.     Homer  Camp  of  Washington,  and  Delia  Whittlesey  of 
Wethersfield. 
"     27.     Hervey  Francis  and  Abigail  Kilbourn  of  Wethersfield. 

Dec.   11.     Chester  Griswold  and  Nancy  Blinn  of  Wethersfield. 

Feb.     1,  1829.     Samuel  T.  Hall  of  Wethersfield,  and  Harriet  Hart 
of  Berlin. 

Mar.     2.     Horatio  Recor  and  Elizabeth  Kilby  of  New  Britain. 

April  13.     Henry  I.  Braman  of  Newport,  and  Melinda  M.  Curtis  of 
Wethersfield. 

Jan.    11,  1830.     Solomon  Wadsworth  of  East  Hartford,  and  Sarah 
Dow  of  Wethersfield. 
"     13.     Heman  Seymour  of  Hartford,  and  Eleanor  C.  Wells  of 
Wethersfield. 

April    8.     Absalom  Wells  and  Mary  Deming  of  Wethersfield. 

Oct.      7.     Oliver  Richards,  jr.,  and  Mary  Kilbourn  of  Wethersfield. 

Dec.  29.     Peter  Ferrows  of  Westfield,  and  Caroline  Fox  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Feb.     2,  1831.     Thomas   Lee  of  Berlin,  and  Laura  Whittlesey  of 
Wethersfield. 

Mar.  31.     Orange    C.   Butler  of   Hartford,  and   Mary   Francis  of 
Wethersfield. 

May     8.     Jason  Porter  of  East  Hartford,  and  Abigail  Blin  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Oct.    27.     William  Dee  and  Lucy  Green  of  Wethersfield. 

Nov.     2.     Andrew  Abernethy  of  New  Hartford,  and  Sarah  Beckley 
of  Wethersfield. 
"     23.     Janaes  Plurlbut  and  Harriet  Deming  of  Wethersfield. 

Dec.     7.     Amon  Judd  of  Berlin,  and  Julia  A.  Austin  of  Wethers- 
field. 

Feb.   12,  1832.     Luther  Dart  and  Mary  Clapp  of  Wethersfield. 

April  20.     Isaac    Bosworth   of    Bufi^Ulo,  and   Martha   A.   Clark   of 
Wethersfield. 

Aug.  28.     Rev.  Samuel  N.  Shepard  of  Madison,  and  Martha  Brace. 

Oct.      7.     John  Kent,  jr.,  and  Sarah  VV.  Hotchkiss  of  Berlin. 
"     10.     John  C.  Dow  and  Martlia  McCarter. 

Jan.    14,  1833.     Jesse    Collins   and   Elizabeth    Amelia  Jackson  of 
Winchester, 
"      "       John  Hanmer  and  Hannah  B.  Churchill  of  Wethersfield. 
"     23.     Joseph  Camp  and  Lvdia  Francis  of  Wethersfield. 

April    3.     Alvah  Dillings  and  Sarah  Griswold  of  Wethersfield. 

May   19.     Levi  North,  jr.,  of  Berlin,  and  Ann  Taylor  of  Wethers- 
field. 


165 

June  12.     Chester  Faxon  of  West  Hartford,  and  Sarah  Deining  of 
Wethersfield. 

Nov.     6.     Elisha  Whaples  of  Wethersfield,  .and  Susanna  Thomas  of 
Avon. 

Dec.   31.     Lorin   Cooley  of  Granville,  Mass.,  and   Laura  Blinn  of 
Berlin. 

April    2,  1834.     William    Hubbard   of    Wethersfield,   and    Martha 
Hurlbut  of  Berlin. 

May  21.     Jedidiah  Deming  and  Anna  Wells  of  Wethersfield. 

July    10.     Henry  Whaples  and  Hannah  Brown. 

Sept.    2.     Sidney  Curtiss  of  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  and  Lucinda  D.  Hall  of 
Wethersfield. 
"     30.     Stephen  P.  Lamberton  of  Simsbury,  and  Maria  E.  Hub- 
bard. 

Jan.    13,  1835.     Justus  Griswold  and  Abigail  H.  Stoddard  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Nov.  26.     Homer  Curtis  of  Meriden,  and  Julia  Ann  Upson  of  Ber- 
lin. 

Jan.    17,  1836.     Jarvis  Dorau  of  New  York,  and  Selina  Southworth 
of  Berlin. 

Feb.   17.     John  F.  Willard  of  Wethersfield,  and  Mary  A.  Wells 

Mar.  17.     Hezekiah  Griswold,  jr.,  and  Frances  N.  Welles  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

May     6.     William  Roberts  and  Sarah  Ann  Chapman  of  Wethers- 
field. 

July    10.     Nelson  Allen  and  Lucy  Ann  Brown  of  Berlin. 

Sept.  11.     (At    Chatham,)    Horace    Deming   of    Glastenbury,   and 
Phebe  Scofell  of  East  Haddam,  both  residents  of  Chatham. 

Get.    25.     Norris  Slater  of  Berhn,  and  Maria  D.  Hamlin  of  Farm- 
in  gt  on. 

Nov.  24.     Jesse   Holister  of  Glastenbury,  and  Lucy   M.   Rugg  of 
Berlin. 

Dec.    ly.     Henry  Deming  of  Wethersfield,  and   Martha  Avery  of 
Berlin. 

May     9,  1837.     Daniel  H.  Willard  and  Sarah  M.  Deming  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Sept.  24.     Erastus  Deming  and  Laura  Weeks  of  Wethersfield. 

Feb.  21,  1838.     Milo  Doty  of  Hartford,  and  Catherine  Wells. 

Mar.  31.     William  B.  Booth  and  Betsey  Blinn  of  Berlin. 

May   12.     Purmont  P.  Bradford  of  Haddam,  and  Nancy  Blinn  of 
Berlin. 

April  21,  1840.     James  B.  Griswold  and  Eliza  L  Davis. 

May   28.     John  L.  Apgar  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  and  Mary  Sophia  Stod- 
dard. 

Oct.      6.     Willis  P.  Davis  and  Mary  Tucker. 

Dec.     2.     Albert  S.  Hunn  and  Minerva  C.  Rogers. 

April  27,  1841.     Joseph  L.  Shepard  of  Westfield,  and  Emily  Hub- 
bard. 

July     4.     Leander  Smith  and  Caroline  Huntley  of  Ellington. 


166 

Oct.    20.     Nelson  Dillings  of  Weathersfield,  Vt.,  and  Harriet  Rock- 
well. 
Dec.  23.     Baldwin  Hart  of  Madison,  and  Charlotte  J.  Welles. 

"     30.     Urbin  K.  Sanford  and  Jane  Hollow  of  Wethersfield. 
Jan.      2,  1842.     Charles   K.   Stedman  of   Meriden,  and   Sarah  C. 

Gaylord  of  Wethersfield. 
Mar.  29.     William  F.  Willard  and  Frances  G.  Wells. 
May   1 0.     Dumont  Carey  of  Berlin,  and  Delia  Hopkins. 
June     3.     Jonathan  T.  Hart  and  Maria  Woodruff  of  New  Britain. 
Sept.     4.     Daniel  Whaples  and  Sophronia  Gladding. 
Oct.  26.     Robert  O.  Joyner  of  Egremont,  Mass.,  and  Sarah  C.  Wells. 
May  21,  1843.     John  N.  Mather  of  New  Britain,  and  Martha  Mor- 
gan. 
June  21.     Edward  M.  Knight  and  Ann  M.  Selden  of  West  Hartford. 
"     22.     Daniel  M.  Wolcott  of  Wethersfield,  N.  Y.,  and  Lucinda 

G.  Wells. 
Aug.  22.     Henry  Olmsted  of  East  Hartford,  and  Julia  T.  Welles. 
Jan.    16,  1844.     Chauncey  Deming  and  Cornelia  Foot. 
May     8.     William  Dee  and  Harriet  Smart. 

Nov.  16,  1845.     Lowrey  Goodrich  of  Berlin,  and  Sarah  Maria  Blinn. 
Jan.      1,  1846.     William  B.  Booth  of  New  Britain,  and  Maria  A. 

Keach  of  Wethersfield. 
"     18.     Dunham  E.  Calkins  and  Maria  A.  Calkins. 
April    9.     Martin  Brown  and  Elizabeth  C.  Kirkham. 
Sept.    3.     William  Wells  and  Cornelia  Deming. 

"  9.  Eli  I.  Smith  of  Tolland,  and  Mary  Seymour. 
Nov.  18.  Jedidiah  Deming,  jr.,  and  Nancy  A,  Whaples. 
Jan.      6,  1847.     John  ToplifF  of  Westfield,  and  Sophronia  Saunders. 

"  21.  Heman  A.  Whittlesey  and  Eunice  C.  Lattimer. 
Mar.  17.  Samuel  N.  Rockwell  and  Harriet  E.  Kilbourn. 
April    8.     Reuben  Beckley  of  Berlin,  and  Elizabeth  Tucker. 

"     20.     Samuel  K.  Camp  of  Farmington,  and  Mary  Kellogg. 
May  12.     Ephraim  Nelson  of  North  Adams,  and  Roxana  Tuttle  of 

West  Hartford. 
Aug.  19.     Samuel  Brace  of  Newington,  and  Sarah  R.  North  of  New 

Britain 
Nov.  1 5,  1 848.     Horace  Bidwell,  jr.,  of  Manchester,  and  Abigail  I. 

Kilbourn. 
Mar.  21,  1849.     William  D.  Wilcox  of  Rocky  Hill,  and  Matilda 

Saunders. 
"     25.     Nelson  Peters  of  Wilbraham,  Mass.,  and  Laura  A.  Camp. 
July   22,  1850.     Francis  Shaw  of  Union  Village,  N.  Y.,  and  Sarah 

E.  Fairfield. 
Oct.    23.     William  B,  Clark  and  Frances  M.  Culver. 
Nov.  17.     Nelson    Sperry  of    Newington,  and   Mary   Griswold  of 

Bloomfield. 
Jan.      5,  1851.     Woodbridge  Gilbert  of  New  York  City,  and  Mary 

Richards. 
July     3.     Thomas  W.  Keach  of  Wethersfield,  and  Elizabeth  H. 

Bidwell  of  Hartford. 


.     167 

Sept.  17.     William  I.  Thomas  of  Quincy,  Mass.,  and  Mary  Williams. 
Feb.     1,  1852.   .Otis  Huntley  of  Newington,  and  Maria  Welch  of 
Jersey  City, 
"     22.     James  Johnson  of  Albany,  and  Nancy  Whaples. 
May     3.     Chester  C.  Webster  and  Marilla  Richards. 

"     19.     Geo.  W.  Catlin  of  Harwinton,  and  Marilla  Hubbard. 

«      "       Thomas   B.   Briggs  of   Mayfield,  N.  Y.,  and  Elizabeth 

Wells. 
"     20.     Jason  Wright  of  Wethersfield,  and  Eliza  Philips  of  Hart- 
ford. 
Nov.  25.     John  D.  Seymour  and  Abigail  Welles. 
Dec.    30.     Erastus  Francis  and  Cornelia  Stoddard. 
Jan.    16,  1853.     Edwin  Welles  and  Lucy  L.  Robbins. 
Mar.  27.     Ely  Franklin  and  Cornelia  Lantmon. 
May  25,     Jonathan  B.  Gillette  of  Meriden,  and  Lydia  M.  Brown. 
Dec.    14.     Charles  Stoddard  and  Hapsebah  Deming. 
Jan.      1,  1854.     John  S.  Watrous  of  East  Haddani,  and  Harriet  A. 
Hurlburt  of  Wethersfield. 
"     22.     Edward  Tando  and  Mary  Ann  Matthews. 
Sept.  19.     Samuel  K.  Camp  of  N.  Y.,  and  Sarah  W.  Kellogg. 
Nov.     1.     Paschal  Withey  of  New  Haven,  and  Lucy  Wells. 
Dec.   24.     Benjamin  Benstead  and  Eliza  McNeil. 
Mar.   14.     Nelson   P.  Woodruff  of  North   Carolina,  and  Sarah  T. 
Robbins. 


IV. 

DEATHS    OR   FUNERALS. 

Nov.  23,  1804.     Florella,  child  of  Josiah  Griswold,  aged  8  years. 

"         Hepzibah  Weaver,  aged  67. 

"  Child  of  Dan . 

"         Child  of  James  Stedman,  aged  3. 
Dec.   22.     Robert,  child  of  Josiah  Griswold,  aged  2, 
Mar,   14,  1805.     Benajah  Taylor,  very  suddenly,  aged  75. 

"     20.     Lydia  Churchill,  aged  80. 
May  30.     Lois,  wife  of  Fitch  Andrus,  very  suddenly,  aged  43. 
June  17.     Olive  Lattimer,  very  suddenly,  aged  29. 

"     21.     Enos  Hunn,  after  long  sickness,  aged  61. 
Aug.  18.     Sarah  Blinn,  aged  79. 
Jan.      4,  1806.     David  Russel,  aged  80. 

"       7.     Benjamin  Atkins,  aged  87.  • 

Feb.   15.     Infant  child  of  Oswell  Hunter,  aged  5  weeks. 

"     25.     Child  of  Olive  Fox,  aged  3. 
April  10.     Child  of  James  Stedman,  aged  6  weeks. 

"     21.     Stephen  Kellogg,  aged  48. 
May     8.     Sarah  Hurlburt,  wife  of  Eli  Hurlburt,  aged  40. 
June  24.     Candace,  wife  of  Jonathan  Stoddard,  aged  55. 
Feb.   14,  1807.     Infant  child  of  Asaph  Whittlesey. 

"     22.     Hannah  Willard,  aged  58. 
July      1.     William  N.  Wolcott,  aged  35. 


168 

Dec.   18.  Mary  Goodrich,  aged  about  80. 

Jan.      1,  1808.     Child  of  Dan  Camp,  aged  8. 

April  21.  Asher  Atwood,  aged  77. 

May   12.  Abijiail,  wife  of  Josiah  Griswold,  aged  44. 

"     18.  Martha,  wife  of  Levi  Hurlburt,  aged  63. 

"     18.  Benjamin  Stoddard,  aged  65. 

June     6.  Joshua  Belden,  jr.,  aged  40. 

"     10.  Oledine  Andrus,  at  Long  Meadow,  aged  34. 

"     24.  Mary  Taylor,  aged  74. 

Aug.  25.  James  Blinn,  aged  78. 

Sept.  16.  Child  of  Enos  Deming. 

Jan.    18,  1809.     John  Squire,  jr.,  aged  38. 

Feb.     8.  Child  of  John  Squire,  aged  2. 

April    8.  Si  Ivy  Deming,  aged  51. 

Dec.  22.  Samuel  Deming,  aged  70. 

Jan.      2,  1810.     Sylvester  Warner,  s.  of  Elijah  Warner,  aged  3. 

Mar.   '  4.  Elisha  Andrus,  aged  50. 

"     28.  Mercy  Westcott,  wife  of  Samuel  Westcott. 

April    3.  Hannah,  wife  of  Lemuel  Whittlesey,  aged  68.   /    /        / 

^      "       7.  Ashbel  Seymour,  jr.,  aged  32.   ^jfJiA-  ^/iA-<— 4!- Vr«a^"^4>c 

June  17.  Unni  Robbins,  aged  68.  \/  J 

"     19.  Benjamin  Hopkins,  aged  58. 

Aug.  25.  Two  infants  of  Origen  Wells. 

Sept.    2.  Olive,  wife  of  Asa  Fox,  aged  50. 

Oct.    11.  Child  of  Daniel  Willard,  jr.,  aged  14  months. 

Feb.   20,  1811.     Lifant  of  Thomas  Deming. 

Mar.  13.  Capt.  Jonathan  Stoddard,  aged  74. 

April  12.  Infant  of  Thomas  Drinkwater. 

"     16.  EH  Andrews,  aged  75. 

"     17.  Infant  of  Uzziel  Latimer. 

May   15.  Abel  Andrews,  aged  76. 

"     25.  Elijah  Wells,  aged  67. 

July      2.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Abner  Roberts,  aged  29. 

Nov.  21.  Lucretia,  wife  oC  Solomon  Churchill,  aged  47. 

"     26.  Sarah  Kellogg,  widow  of  S.  Kellogg,  aged  41. 

Dec.   10.  Esther  Wright,  aged  79. 

April  15,  1812.    Joseph  Camp,  aged  68. 

"     26.  Joseph  Churchill,  aged  62. 

July'     3.  Capt.  Robert  Wells,  aged  72. 

Aug.  23.  Josiah  Griswold,  aged  52. 

Jan.    30,  1813.,  Zilpah,  wife  of  Pomp  Green,  aged  50. 

Feb.     8.  John  Squire,  aged  75. 

Mar.  24.  Pomp  Freeman,  aged  about  60. 

April  1 2.  Anna  Deming,  aged  85. 

July   20.  Lois,  wife  of  Justus  Francis,  aged  49. 

"     23.  Rev.  Joshua  Belden,  aged  89. 

Aug.     5.  Martha,  wife  of  Elias  Deming,  aged  63. 

Sept.    2.  Child  of  George  Hale's,  aged  14  months. 

Nov.  11.  Oswell  Rockwell,  aged  58. 

Feb.     4,  1814.     Mary,  wife  of  Oliver  Crocker,  aged  47. 


169 

Feb.   16.  Prince  Miranda,  aged  47. 

Mar.  21.  Rebecca,  wife  of  Sion  Wentworth,  aged  55. 

April  27.  Mulatto  woman,  aged  20,  and  child. 

May   13.  Ellas  Deming,  aged  62. 

June  21.  Ezekiel  Deming,  aged  51. 

'•     27.  Abigail  Wells,  widow  of  Capt.  Robert  Wells,  aged  74. 

Aug.     5.  Thomas ,  black  man,  aged  about  90. 

Nov.  20.  Martha,  d.  of  Lemuel  Henry,  aged  2  years  and  9  months. 

Dec.     9.  Rebekah  Boardman,  aged  91. 

"     19.  Robert  Deming,  aged  51. 

«     25.  Thomas  Clark,  aged  38. 

Jan.      7,  1815.     Robert  Wells,  s.  of  Capt.  Robert  W.,  aged  53. 

Feb.  23.  Dorothy  Clark,  aged  about  80. 

June     8.  John  Kirkham,  aged  54. 

Aug.  13.  Martha,  d.  of  Levi  Hurlburt,  aged  3^. 

"     15.  Tabitha,  wife  of  Elias  Andrus,  aged  69. 

Oct.    25.  Nancy  Hooper's  child,  aged  1. 

"     26.  Orra  Deraing's  child,  aged  2. 

Nov.     8.  Mehitabel,  wife  of  Isaac  Clark,  aged  61. 

Dec.  29.  Twin  infants  of  Ansel  Fox  and  Prudence  his  wife. 

Jan.    22,  1816.     Mary  Robbins,  aged  73. 

Mar.  27.  Mary  Atwood,  aged  88. 

Jan.      1,  1817.     Infant  of  Jeremiah  Seymour,  aged  2  days. 

"     16.  Dea.  Daniel  Willard,  aged  63. 

Mar.  17.  Levi  Hurlburt,  aged  74. 

April  23.  Elizabeth  Smith,  aged  88. 

May     3.  Eleanor,  wife  of  James  Wells,  jr.,  aged  42. 

June     6.  Esther  Hunn,  aged  64. 

Oct.    26.  Laura  Dillings,  aged  16. 

Nov.  15.  Chauncey  L.  Hunn,  s.  of  Lester  C.  Hunn,  aged  9. 

April    1,  1818.     Josiah  Willard,  aged  78. 

June     8.  Jennette  Kirkham,  wife  of  John  K.,  aged  51. 

July      7.  Unni  Robbins,  aged  52. 

Aug.     6.  Catherine ,  black  woman,  aged  80. 

"     10.  Lucius  Caes,  aged  20. 

Oct.    20.  Elisha  Blinn,  aged  55. 

Dec.     7.  Jane,  d.  of  William  Kirkham,  aged  about  2. 

"       9.  Lucina,  wife  of  Elizur  Deming,  aged  65. 

"     10.  Lucretia,  wife  of  Elijah  Warner,  aged  47. 

"     23.  Child  of ,  tramps,  aged  4  months. 

Jan.      7,  1819.     Elizabeth  Whaples,  aged  79. 

April  15.  Sidney,  s.  of  Allen  Stoddard,  aged  7^  months. 

June  15.  Child  of  Giles  Smith,  aged  8  months. 

"     25.  Horace  Kilbourn,  aged  15. 

"     27.  A  man — unknown. 

July    10.  Luther  Lattimer,  aged  75. 

Aug.     4.  Eliza,  d.  of  Lester  C.  Hunn,  aged  6. 

Oct.    15.  John  Wright,  aged  56. 

Dec.     7.  David  Lowrey,  aged  79^. 

22 


170 

Dec  .19.  Francis  Deming,  aged  81. 

Jan.    22,  1820.     Harriet  E.  Judd,  wife  of  Allen  Judd,  aged  20. 

Mar.  12.  Lois  Blinn,  widow  of  James  Blinn,  aged  78. 

"     28.  Infant  of  Lester  Hunn. 

June  30.  Nathan  Rockwell,  aged  21. 

Oct.      6.  Julia  Norton,  d.  of  Martin  Welles  and  Frances  his  wife, 

aged  1. 

Dec.  26.  Elisha  Squire,  aged  40. 

Jan.      7,  1821.     Rosanna  Deming,  aged  73. 

"       7.  Rev.  R.  Emery,  aged  26. 

Feb.   26.  Child  of  Robert  Wells. 

Mar.     3.  Twin  infants  of  James  Wells,  jr.,  aged  2  months. 

April  16.  Silas  Andrus,  aged  75. 

"     21.  Lucy  Dtming,  d.  of  widow  R.  Deming,  aged  18. 

May     4.  Jeruhha,  wife  of  Thomas  Deming,  aged  48. 

"       8.  Samuel  Whaples,  aged  41. 

Oct.    22.  Chauncey  Whittlesey,  aged  44. 

Nov.     6.  Elisha  Squire,  aged  78. 

Jan.     15,  1822.     Sarah  Roberts,  aged  40. 

"     19.  Eunice  Wolcott,  aged  74. 
Mar.     5.     Chester  Wells,  aged  47. 

May  20.  Lucy,  wife  of  Simeon  Stoddard,  aged  36. 

June  22.  Henry  Blannot,  jr.,  aged  10. 
Aug.  22.     David  Goodrich,  aged  66. 

Sept.  16.  Julia  Churchill,  aged  30. 

"     19.     Elizabeth  Emery,  d.  of  R.  Rockwell,  aged  13  months. 

"     22.  Maria,  child  of  Thomas  Curtis,  aged  2^. 

Oct.      4,  5.     Twin  children  of  Levi  Hubbard,  aged  2. 
Nov.  25.     Benjamin  Hendrick,  aged  25. 
Dec.   20.     Cynthia  Wells,  aged  30. 

Feb.     2,  1823.     Thomas  S.  Curtis,  aged  37. 

"     25.     Prudence,  d.  of  Enos   Deming,  and  Prudence  his  wife, 
aged  4. 
April  18.     Sion  Wentworth,  aged  69. 
May   20.     Henry  Brown,  aged  64. 
July    22.     Anne,  wife  of  Joseph  Churchill,  aged  42. 
Aug.  24.     Lemuel  Whittlesey,  aged  83, 
Sept.    4.     Abigail,  wife  of  Asahel  Case,  aged  40. 

"     17.     John  Churchill,  aged  38. 

"     21.     Frederick  Deming,  aged  57. 

Mar.     1,  1824.     Infant  of  Jedidiah  Deming. 
May   24.     Asaph  Whittlesey,  aged  42. 
July     5.     Sabra,  wife  of  Cyrus  Francis,  aged  22. 

"       6.     Hendric ,  an  Indian,  aged  70. 

"     28.     Hannah,  wife  of  Benjamin  Hart,  aged  50. 
Aug.     4.     Elizabeth,  wife  of  Leonard  C.  Flubbard,  aged  51. 
Sept.  16.     Levi  Lusk,  aged  67. 
Oct.    16.     Jonathan  Hubbard,  aged  14. 

"  Martin  Hooper,  s.  of  Philip,  aged  22. 

Nov.     4.     Abigail,  wife  of  Dea.  James  Wells,  aged  75. 


171 

Hapsebath,  d.  of  Jedidiah  Deming,  aged  9  months. 
1825.     Infant  of  Roswell  Hnnter,  aged  3  months. 
Infant  of  Simeon  Harrington,  aged  7  months. 
William  Wells,  s.  of  Dea.  James,  aged  39. 
Lydia  Willard,  aged  68. 
Deacon  James  Wells,  aged  77. 
Jeruslia  Hartshorn,  aged  78. 
Lorrain,  wife  of  Absalom  Wells,  aged  56. 
John  Fox,  aged  24. 

Gardiner,  child  of  Simeon  Harrington,  aged  5. 
Heman  Francis,  s.  of  Robert,  aged  21. 
Martha  Graham,  aged  70. 
Harriet  Churchill,  d.  of  Samuel,  aged  27. 
Child  of  Alanson  Colton,  aged  1. 
Lois  Andrus,  aged  95. 
Arta  Stevens,  wife  of  Ichabod  S.,  aged  34. 
Abigail  Whaples,  aged  47. 
Chauncey  Lattimer,  aged  22. 
Asahel  Case,  aged  49. 
2,  1826.     Lucy  Lowrey,  aged  77. 
Amos  Andrus,  aged  63. 
Dorothy  Stoddard,  aged  84. 
Henry,  s.  of  George  Tucker,  aged  2. 
Charles  Corning,  aged  47. 
Joseph  Francis,  aged  26. 
Candace,  wife  of  Jonathan  Stoddard,  aged  55. 
Jonathan  Stoddard,  jr.,  aged  33. 
Abigail,  infant  of  J.  W.  Griswold,  aged  4  weeks. 

1827.  Rhoda  Willard,  aged  70. 
Justus  Francis,  aged  76. 
Amos  A.  Webster,  aged  74. 
Rhoda  Churchill,  aged  76. 
Mary,  wife  of  Jedidiah  Deming,  aged  37. 
Elias  Andrews,  aged  74. 
Infant  of  Ansel  Fox,  aged  6  months. 
Sally,  wife  of  Dea.  Levi  Deming,  aged  47. 
Thomas  Deming,  aged  72. 
Orra  Fuller,  aged  20. 
Mary  Beckwith,  aged  28. 
Samuel,  s.  of  John  C.  and  Laura  Dow,  aged  1. 
Hannah,  wife  of  Martin  Kellogg,  aged  77. 
Marietta,  d.  of  Enos  and  Prudence  Deming,  aged  14. 
Grin  Hubbard,  s.  of  D.  and  E.  Hubbard,  aged  9. 
Elizur  Deming,  aged  77. 

1828.  Rhoda  Willard,  widow  of  Josiah  Willard,  aged  75. 
Child  of  Alanson  Colton,  aged  4  months. 

"     27.     Jane  Kirkham,  d.  of  William  and  Sophia  K.,  aged  9. 
Aug.  19.     Martin  Kellogg,  aged  82. 

''     21.     Justus  Riley,  aged  4,  and  Maria  Clark,  aged  2,  children  of 
William  Blinn. 


Nov. 

20. 

Jan. 

13, 

(( 

13. 

Mar. 

4. 

n 

21. 

(( 

25. 

11 

31. 

April 

12. 
30. 

May 

6. 

8. 

4( 

19. 

July 
Aug. 
Sept. 
Oct. 

12. 
23. 

19. 
28. 

u 

29. 

Nov. 

1. 

Dec. 

8. 

Feb. 

2, 

<( 

21. 

April 
May 

11. 
1. 
6. 

Aug. 

21. 

(( 

27. 

Dec. 

30. 

Jan. 

8, 

(( 

9. 

u 

10. 

Feb. 

24. 

Mar. 

18. 

April 
May 

15. 
18. 
24. 

Sept. 
Nov. 

29. 
1. 

(( 

8. 

« 

10. 

(( 

13. 

a 

22. 

li 

29. 

Dec. 

5. 

May 
June 

1, 
8. 

172 

Aug.  29.  Lucy  Lowrey,  d.  of  Unni  and  Sarah  Robbins,  aged  1. 

Sept.    5.  Wait  Griswold,  aged  41. 

"     17.  Child  of  Lot  and  Mary  Ann  Beckwith,  aged  1. 

"     21.  Child  of  Abigail  Blinn,  aged  2. 

Oct.      6.  Elias  Seymour,  aged  82. 

Nov.     7.  Alfred  Deraing,  aged  24. 

"       8.  Ichabod  Stevens,  aged  44. 

Dec.     8.  Elizabeth  Griswold,  aged  37. 

"     10.  Whiting,  s.  of  Orin  and  Sarah  Chapman,  aged  2. 

"     24.  Infant  of  Winthrop  and  Elizabeth  Cinnamon. 

Jan.    24,  1829.     Hannah  Goodrich,  aged  68. 

Feb.  10.  Laura  K.  Whittlesey,  d.  of  Asaph  W.,  aged  13. 

"     28.  Joseph  Churchill,  aged  49. 

April  17.  Sylvia,  wife  of  Lemuel  Holmes,  aged  67. 

"     19.  Jemima  Welles,  widow  ot  Roger,  aged  72. 

May     2.  Infant  of  Lot  and  Mary  Ann  Beckwith. 

"     12.  Sarah  Wells,  widow  of  Elijah,  aged  78. 

June  26.  Lemuel  Whittlesey,  s.  of  Asaph,  aged  18. 

Oct.    27.  Infant  of  Barzillai  Deming,  aged  7  hours. 

Dec.     4.  Elizur  Andrews,  aged  82. 

"       6.  Hannah  Crocker,  aged  78. 

April  29,  1830.     Lucy,  wife  of  Uzziel  Lattimer,  aged  58. 

"     27.  Laura,  wife  of  John  C.  Dow,  aged  27. 

July     9.  Child  of Woodward,  aged  2  weeks. 

Aug.  28.  Charles  Mitchell,  aged  19. 

Sept.  Infant  of  John  0.  Dow. 

Feb.   25,  1831.     Seth  Boardman,  aged  89. 

April    8.  Mary  Kellogg,  d.  of  Martin  Kellogg,  aged  56. 

Aug.  15.  Child  of  William  Blinn,  aged  6  months. 

Sept.  10.  James  Barnaby,  aged  76. 

Nov.  25.  Infant  of  Seth  Kilbourn. 

Dec.     3.  Martha,  wife  of  Seth  Kilbourn,  aged  30. 

"     24.  Mabel  Webster,  widow  of  Amos  A.  Webster,  aged  77. 

«     31.  Elisha  Stoddard,  aged  52. 

Jan.    13,  1832.     Solomon  Welles,  aged  85. 

Feb.     4.  Elizabeth  Seymour,  widow  of  Elias,  aged  85. 

April    8.  Eunice,  d.  of  Anson  and  Sarah  Whaples,  aged  2. 

"     20.  Nancy  Whaples,  aged  53. 

Dec.  30.  Samuel,  infant  of  Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn. 

Feb.   16,  1833.     Child  of  Miles  Peck,  aged  1. 

April    8.  James  Wells,  aged  61. 

Nov.  22.  Hannah,  wife  of  Ezekiel  Atwood,  aged  64. 

Dec.  29.  Lois  Hurlbut  Woodruff,  aged  51. 

Jan.    24,  1834.     Mercy,  wife  of  Samuel  Churchill,  aged  76. 

"     24.  Francis,  s.  of  Chester  and  Lucretia  Churchill,  aged  2. 

April    6.  Kasson,  s.  of  Leo  C.  and  Nancy  Hubbard,  aged  2. 

"     19.  Martha,  d.  of  Enos  and  Prudence  Deming,  aged  18. 

May     6.  Benjamin  Hopkins,  aged  41. 

"     19.  Samuel  Wheelock,  aged  35. 

Aug.  10.  Jane  Amelia,  d.  of  Erastus  and  Seviah  Lattimer,  aged  6. 


173 

Sept.    4.     James  Wells,  s.  of  James  W.,  at  West  Hartford,  aged  35. 

"       6.     Frederick  Sage,  aged  11. 

"     29.     Candace,  d.  of  widow  Candace  Howard,  aged  8. 
Nov.  14.     Timothy  Woodford,  s.  of   Henry  and  Huldah  Kilbourn, 

aged  10  months. 
Dec.  10.     Samuel  Churchill,  aged  78. 

"     11.     Heman  F.  Stoddard,  s.  of  Hiram  E.  and  Fanny  Stoddard, 
aged  5. 

"     1 9.     Manning  Wells,  aged  42. 

"     23.     Enos  Deming,  aged  55. 
Jan.      1,  1835.     James  Hooper,  aged  38. 

Feb.     8.     Child  of  Chauncey  Hart,  of  Farmington,  aged  15  months. 
Mar.     8.     Lydia  Churchill  Smith,  aged"  62. 

"     24.     Lester  C.  Hunn,  aged  51. 
April  10.     Child  of  William  Clark,  aged  2. 
May  18.     Jason  Porter,  aged  26. 
June     7.     Simeon  Stoddard,  aged  53. 
July    17.     Huldah  B.  Kilbourn,  wife  of  Henry,  aged  29. 
Sept.    3.     George  Seymour,  deaf  and  dumb,  aged  93. 
Oct.      1.     Isaac  Bell,  aged  51. 

"     19.     Eieazar  Holmes,  s.  of  Lemuel,  aged  44. 

"     19.     Ruggles  Austin,  aged  13. 
Feb.   16,  1836.     Anna  Andrus,  wife  of  EHzur,  aged  81. 
Mar.     1.     Sarah  Camp,  d.  of  Joseph,  aged  58. 

"     28.     Beulah  Stoddard,  aged  55. 
April    5.     Lucy  Wells,  always  blind,  aged  61. 

"     24.     Wilson,  aged  61. 

May     7.     Caty,  widow  of  Lester  C.  Hunn,  aged  51. 

July    10.     Laura,  wife  of  Daniel  Willard,  aged  53. 

Feb.     9,  1837.     Laura  K.  W.  Lee,  wife  of  Thomas  Lee,  aged  53. 

April  25.     Lydia  F.  wife  of  Joseph  Camp,  aged  31. 

Sept.  12.     Child  of  Mary  Stowe,  aged  3. 

''     18.     Child  of  William  Jackman,  aged  3. 
Oct.    14.     Child  of  Ralph  Wells,  aged  1. 

"     21.     Catherine,  d.  of  Rebekah  Stevens,  aged  11. 
Oct.    22.     Julia,  wife  of  Ralph  Wells,  aged  36. 
Nov.     7.     Chester  Churchill,  aged  39. 
Mar.     7,  1838.     Mary  At  wood,  aged  75. 
July    10.     John  Grimshaw,  suddenly,  (heat  99°)  aged  23. 
Aug.  24.     Sarah  Jane,  d.  of  Jesse  and  Lucy  M.  HoUister,  aged  1. 

"     29.     Stanley  W.  Griswold,  s.  of  Hezekiah,  jr.,  and  Frances  N. 
W.  Griswold,  aged  1. 
Oct.    19.     Ralph  Wells,  s.  of  Absalom,  aged  39. 
Nov.     3.     Chloe,  wife  of  Solomon  Churchill,  aged  74. 

"     23.     Thankful ,  a  black  woman,  aged  91. 

Dec.     6.     Electa  Whittlesey,  widow  of  Heman  Whittlesey,  aged  45. 
Feb.     5,  1839.     Almira  Day,  d.  of  Henry  and  Emeline  G.  Kilbourn, 
aged  2. 

"     26.     William    Henry,  s.  of    William  and   Martha   Hubbard, 
aged  2. 


174 

April  30.     James,  s.  of  Stephen  and  Sophronia  Saunders,  aged  2. 

June  17.     Absalom  Wells,  aged  74. 

Aug.  18.     Infant  of  Jesse  and  Lucy  M.  Hollister. 

"     29.     Sarah  Rockwell,  widow  of  Oswell  Rockwell,  aged  77. 

'«     29.     Child  of  John  Cro^slee,  aged  1. 
Sept.    7.     Lemuel  Holmes,  aged  75. 

«     13.     William  S.  Deming,  aged  25. 
Oct.    19.     John  Mitchell,  aged  60. 
Nov.     5.     Simon  Kilbourn,  aged  80. 
Dec.    11.     Elisheba  Hunn,  aged  66. 

"     31.     Elizabeth  Deming,  widow  of  Francis  Deming,  aged  85. 
Jan.    11,  1840.     Mary  P.  Smith,  wife  of  Samuel  Smith,  aged  34. 
Feb.      1.     Infant  of  Erastus  Kilbourn. 

"     14.     John  Green,  aged  62. 

"     15.     Unni  Blinn,  aged  75. 
April    6.     Ellen,  d.  of  William  and  Sophia  Kirkham,  aged  6  months. 

"     28.     Jonathan  Stoddard,  aged  68. 
May  29.     Hepzibah  Lusk,  wife  of  Gen.  Levi  Lusk,  aged  83. 
Sept.    1.     Abigail  Forbes  Kellogg,  a2;ed  62. 

Oct.    30.     Sarah  Ann  C.  Roberts,  wife  of  William  Roberts,  aged  23. 
Feb.     2,  1841.     Infant  of  Seth  Purrington,  aged  3  weeks. 
July     2.     Almira,  d.  of  John  L.  Apgar,  aged  6. 

"     29.     Mary  Lusk  Deming,  d.  of  Jedidiah  Deming,  aged  23. 
Jan.      2,  1842.     Martha  H.  wife  of  William  Hubbard,  aged  2G. 
Mar.  18.     Sarah  Naomi  Loveland,  d.  of  James  and  Candace  Love- 
land,  aged  3. 

"     23.     Caroline  Deming,  d.  of  Dea.  Levi  Deming,  aged  32. 
April    6.     Theodore  Seymour,  aged  64. 

"     18.     Eunice  Seymour,  deranged  30  years,  aged  61. 
May     3.     Amelia  Andrus,  widow  of  Amos  Andrus,  aged  75. 

"       9.     Lucy  Dee,  wife  of  William  Dee,  aged  34. 

"     10.     Benajah  Roberts,  s.  of  Benajah  Roberts,  aged  3  weeks. 

"     16.     Serviah  Whaples,  wife  of  Reuben  Whaples,  aged  73. 

"     23.     William  Henry  Deming,  s.  of  Henry  and  Martha  Dem- 
ing, aged  2. 
June     2.     Lucy  Frances,  d.  of  James  and  Anna  Blinn,  aged  2. 

"     16.     Solomon  Churchill,  aged  78. 

"     1 6.     Orin  Chapman,  aged  45. 
July   27.     Joseph  Dee,  s.  of  William  Dee,  aged  1. 
Sept.    5.     Martin,  s.  of  Chester  and  Nancy  Griswold,  aged  2. 

'*     11.     Julius  Dee,  s.  of  William  Dee,  aged  11. 
Oct.    11.     Elizabeth  Atwood,  aged  84. 
Jan.    13,  1843.     Octavia  S.,  wife  of  Newman  Francis,  aged  34. 

"  28.  Martha  Green,  d.  of  Phillis,  aged  24. 
Dec.  1.  Child  of  Joshua  Dean,  a^ed  3  months. 
June  29,  1844.     Cynthia  Holmes,  aged  44. 

Aug.  21.     Walter  Lowrey,  s.  of   Lowrey  and   Emily  F.  Robbing, 
aged  4. 

"     23.     Jemima  Filley,  aged  88. 


176 

Oct.      7.     Theresa  Ilibbard,  d.  of  Isaac  and  Martha  Bosworth,  aged 

1  year. 
Nov.  21.     Philena  S.,  wife  of  William  Wells,  aged  25. 
Mar.  20,  1845.     Infant  of  Homer  Camp,  aged  2  days. 
April    3.     Alma  Camp,  aged  58. 

"     20.     Nathaniel  Hillhouse,  aged  53. 
Sept.  20.     Horace  Whaples,  aged  26. 

"     22.     Rev.  E.  Joab  Brace,  at  Pittsfield,  aged  31. 
Oct.    15.     Agnes  W.,  d.  of  John  M.  and  M.  E.  H.  Belden,  aged  2^. 
Nov.  13.     Allen  Stoddard,  aged  59. 

"     18.     Cornelia  F.,  wife  of  Chauncey  Deming,  aged  26. 

"     22.     Dr.  Chauncey  Belden,  aged  41. 
Dec.   12.     William  Deming,  aged  63. 
Jan.      2,  1846.     John  Whitman  Brace,  aged  21|. 
Feb.     4.     Joseph  Huntley,  s.  of  Newman  and  Caroline  H.,  aged  2. 
Sept.  10,     Dorothy  Belden,  aged  76. 
Dec.     3.     Edward  Brainerd,  aged  5. 
Jan.      1,  1847.     Dea.  Levi  Deming,  aged  74. 
Feb.  28.     Richard  Smart,  aged  75. 

April    3.     Mary  S.  Smith,  d.  of  Dea.  Jeremiah  Seymour,  aged  22. 
May   12.     Eunice  Kilbourn,  aged  83. 
July      7.     Mary  L.,  wife  of  Ashbel  Seymour,  aged  69. 
Dec.   11.     Elizur  Deming,  aged  66. 
Feb.   18,  1848.     Mary  A.  Churchill,  aged  65. 

"     23.     Child  of  Seth  Purrington,  aged  3  months. 

"     29.     Alice,  d.  of  Truman  Wiers,  aged  10  months. 
Mar.  14.     Charles  Clark,  aged  47. 

"     21.     James  Churchill,  aged  66. 

"     28.     Stephen  P.  Lamberton,  aged  36. 
April  24.     Laura  Wells,  d.  of  Ralph,  aged  22. 
May   19.     Lucy  Ann  Gaylord,  ased  31. 
Aug.     4.     Fanny  Eliza,  d.  of  Hiram  E.  Stoddard,  aged  9. 
Nov.     4.     Lucy  Mullen,  aged  1 6. 
Dec.  30.     Eliza  G.  Cinnamon,  aged  46. 
Feb.   15,  1849.     Uzziel  Lattimer,  aged  79^. 
Aug.  15.     Chester  Griswold,  aged  48. 
Oct.      1.     Charity  Tr)  on,  aged  94^. 

"     30.     Sarah  M.  Goodrich,  d.  of  William  Blinn,  aged  20. 
Dec.   13.     Robert  R.  Rockwell,  aged  23. 
Jan.    31,  1850.     Laura  F.,  d.  of  William  F.  and  Frances  G.  Willard, 

aged  6. 
April  20.     Child  of  John  L.  Apgar,  aged  6  months. 
May     0.     Sarah  Deming,  wife  of  William,  aged  66. 

"     23.     Phillis  Green,  widow  of  John  Green,  aged  72. 
June  30.     Joseph  Rockwell,  s.  of  Robert  Rockwell,  aged  21. 
July   23.     Nancy  Francis,  widow  of  Cyrus,  aged  48. 
Aug.  30.     Newel,  s.  of  Reuben  Osborn,  a^ed  3. 
Nov.     7.     Amanda,  wife  of  Ehsha  Whaples,  jr.,  aged  44. 

"     30.     Nelson  Dillings,  s.  of  Elias,  aged  38. 
Jan.    29,  1851.     Mary,  wife  of  Otis  Huntley,  aged  45. 


176  \ 

Feb.  22.  Nancy  Wells,  aged  77. 

Mar.  31.  Michael  Gunning,  aged  23. 

May   28.  Mary  Blinn,  widow  of  P^lisha,  aged  80. 

July    17.  Alice  Augusta,  d.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn,  aged  2. 

Aug.     9.  Joel  Huntley,  aged  64. 

Sept.  21.  John  Cady,  s,  of  Walter  G.  Cady,  aged  5. 

Oct.      2.  Julia  A.  8.  Cady,  wife  of  Walter  G.  Cady,  aged  32. 

"       4.  Levi  Welles,  s.  of  Elisha  and  Esther  Blinn,  aged  7. 

"     30.  Irene  Andrus,  aged  82. 
Jan.    13,  1852.     Lucy  Robbins,  aged  80. 

Feb.    17.  Joseph  Camp,  aged  71. 

Mar.     9.  Bertha  B.,  wife  of  Erastus  Francis,  aged  44. 

April    9.  Harriet  Hopkins,  widow  of  Benjamin,  aged  57. 

May     7.  Nancy,  d.  of  widow  Nancy  Griswold,  aged  22. 

"     14.  Mary  K.  Camp,  wife  of  Samuel  Camp,  aged  33. 

"     29.  Child  of  John  G.  Wells,  aged  1. 

Sept.    />.  Child  of  Hezekiah  Griswold,  aged  2. 

"     17.  Julia  A.  Hull,  aged  16. 

"     1 8.  Lucy  Deraing,  widow  of  Robert,  aged  87. 

Oct.      8.  Harriet,  wife  of  William  Dee,  aged  26. 

Nov.     2.  James  B.  Griswold,  aged  36. 

"     1 4.  Oliver  Pomeroy  Bulkley,  many  years  deranged,  aged  65. 
Feb.     3,  1853.     Dositheus  Hubbard,  aged  66. 

Mar.  20.  Laura  C.  Dow,  d.  of  John  C  and  Martha  Dow,  aged  19. 

"     24.  Mary  Ann  Cady,  d.  of  Waltel-  G.  Cady,  aged  2. 

April    1.  Marcus  Lent,  s.  of  Henry  and  Emeline  Kilbourn,  aged  10. 

May    11.  Anna  Camp,  aged  80. 

Oct.    26.  Reuben  Whaples,  blind,  aged  86. 

'•     29.  Ezekiel  Atwood,  aged  90. 

Dec.   18.  Abigail,  wife  of  Linus  Gilbert,  d.  of  Unni  Blinn,  aged  48. 
April    5,1854.     Elisha  Whaples,  jr.,  aged  53. 

May     9.  James  H.  Dix,  s.  of  Roswell  Dix,  aged  11. 

July      2.  Eliza  Wells,  d.  of  Dea.  Origen  Wells,  aged  44. 

Aug.  23.  Sarah  Dow,  wife  of  Samuel  Dow,  aged  76. 

Sept.  18.  Gennette.  wife  of  Martin  Whaples,  aged  24. 

Oct.    23.  Lucinda  Gaylord,  aged  84. 

Oct.    28.  Daniel  Whaples,  aged  54. 

Nov.   1 6.  Child  of  George  F.  and  Mary  A.  Davis,  aged  1. 

"     16.  Child  of  Carlos  and  Frances  M.  Huntley,  aged  2. 

''     16.  Lucy  Collins  Brace,  wife  of  the  Pastor,  aged  72^. 

"     24.  Martha  Carter  Dow,  wife  of  John  C.  Dow,  aged  41. 

Dec.   14.  Esther  Latimer,  aged  83.* 
Feb.   IS,  1855.     Robert  Francis,  aged  92. 

Mar.     1.  Lydia  Smith,  wife  of  Giles  Smith,  aged  71. 

"       4.  Elizabeth  Hollister,  wife  of  Horace  Kilbourn,  aged  22. 

"     10.  Sally  Deming,  widow  of  Dea.  Levi,  aged  72. 

"     14.  Child  of  Dumont  Carey,  aged  1^. 

Mary  Abilene  Dow,  d.  of  John  C.  and  Martha  Dow. 

Jan.    25,  1856.     David  Hunn,  aged  77. 

*  The  last  entry  by  Dr.  Brace. 


177 

May  29.  Harriet  R.  Dillings,  aged  36. 

June     7.  Fanny  Deming,  widow  of  Brazil,  aged  68. 

"     12.  Child  of  Benjamin  Benstead,  aged  8  months. 

"     29.  Carlos  Gottlieb  Wagner,  aged  36. 

Aug.  30.  Stephen  Dwiglit  Lamberton,  aged  12. 

Nov.  28.  Maria  Lamberton,  aged  43. 

April  20,  1861.     Rev.  Joab  Brace,  D.  D.,  at  Pittsfield,  aged  90. 


V. 
CHURCH  VOTES  AND  PROCEEDINGS. 

Feb.  28,  1805.  Church  meeting  after  lecture,  "  Voted,  a  tax  on  the 
communicants  to  supply  the  deficiency  of  the  fund  given  by  Deacon  Dem- 
ing,  for  the  support  of  the  Communion  table."  Appointed  David  Lowrey 
and  Levi  Deniing  a  committee  to  direct  this  business,  also  to  purchase  a 
record  book  for  the  church. 

Attest,  J.  Brace,  Col.  Pastor. 

Oct.  29,  1818.  A  special  meeting  of  the  church  was  held  for  the  choice 
of  two  deacons,  one  in  the  place  of  the  late  deacon  Willard,  and  the  other 
in  the  room  of  deacon  Wells,  resigned.  Levi  Deming,  2d,  and  Origen 
Wells  were  chosen,  and  commended  to  God  in  prayer. 

Attest,  J.  Brace,  Pastor. 

Jan.  4,  1830.  The  church  resolved  to  appoint  a  committee  to  aid  in  the 
exercise  of  church  discipline,  and  to  renew  the  appointment  annually,  to 
consist  of  the  two  deacons,  and  three  additional  members.  The  two  dea- 
cons were  appointed  by  nomination,  and  the  other  three  were  chosen  by 
ballot.  The  whole  committee  are  Dea.  Levi  Deming,  Dea.  Origen  Wells, 
Brother  Josiah  W.  Griswold,  Brother  William  Deming,  and  Brother  Jedi- 
diah  Deming,  to  hold  their  office  until  the  sacramental  lecture  preceding 
the  first  Sabbath  in  January,  1831.  After  prayer,  the  meeting  was 
adjourned. 

Dec.  30,  1830.  At  the  time  of  sacramental  lecture,  the  same  persons 
were  re-appointed  church  committee. 

Dec.  2y,  1831.  After  lecture  the  church  re-appointed  the  same  persons 
committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Jan.  3,  1833.     At  lecture,  the  same  church  committee  was  re-appointed. 

Jan.  2,  1834.     At  lecture,  the  same  church  committee  was  re-appointed. 

Jan.  I,  1835.  At  lecture,  the  same  were  re-appointed  except  J.  W. 
Griswold. 

Mar.  2,  1837.  The  church  held  a  meeting  after  the  sacramental  lecture 
for  receiving  the  communication  of  six  members,  (who  had  in  a  disorderly 
manner  left  the  communion  and  ordinances  of  this  church,)  wishing  to  be 
dismissed,  without  naming  any  church  to  which  they  wish  to  go.  .  .  . 
The  church  deferred  the.se  petitions  for  consideration  on  the  next  lecture 
day.  In  the  meantime,  the  church  committee  were  especially  appointed  to 
attend  to  these  members,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting.  The  committee 
appointed  were  Dea.  Deming,  Dea.  Wells,  William  Deming,  Jedidiah 
Deming,  and  Josiah  Atwood.  The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  time  of 
the  next  sacramental  lecture. 

May  4,  1837.     The  church  held  a  meeting  by  adjournment,  after  the 

sacramental  lecture,  for  receiving  the  report  of  the  committee,  when  it 

appeared  that  they  had  Avith  christian  kindness  and  patience  admonished 

the   delinquent  members,   but   without  any   effect   in   reclaiming  them. 

23 


178 

Whereupon,  after  mature  deliberation,  the  church  came  unanimously  to 
the  following  decision.  "  Voted,  That  whereas  ....  have  for  a 
long  time,  contrary  to  their  covenant  engaffements,  separated  themselves 
from  the  communion  of  this  church,  and  have  refused  to  listen  to  the 
admonitions  of  the  church  committee  who  were  especially  appointed  to 
reclaim  them,  this  church  does  by  this  act,  (2  Thess.  Ill,  6.)  withdraw 
from  them,  and  considers  itself  as  discharged  from  the  covenant  obligation 
to  watch  over  them." 

Jan.  4,  1838.  At  lecture,  Church  Committee  were  appointed,  viz  :  Dea. 
Levi  Deming,  Dea.  Origen  Wells,  Br.  William  Deming,  Br.  Jedidiah 
Deming,  Br.  Josiah  Atwood. 

Jan.  28.  Voted  by  the  church  unanimously,  that  the  pleasure  and  the 
thanks  of  this  church  be  expressed  to  Lucy  L.  Robbins  and  Mary  L.  Sey- 
mour for  the  mahogany  table  this  day  presented  by  those  two  sisters  for 
the  possession  and  use  of  this  church  in  the  sacramental  communion. 

Jan.  1,  1839.  Voted  by  the  church  and  people  in  general  meeting  to 
drop  Dwight's  edition  of  the  Psalms,  and  adopt  Watts'  entire^  with  select 
hymns. 

Jan.  3,  1839.  Lecture.  "Voted,  That  Wm.  Deming,  Lester  Luce,  and 
Jeremiah  Seymour,  with  Dea.  Deming  and  Dea.  Wells,  be  the  standing 
committee  of  the  church  for  this  year." 

July  7,  1839.  Church  furniture  this  day  presented  and  consecrated, 
viz:  two  flagons,  six  cups,  four  platters,  and  a  baptizing  bason,  j)rocured 
by  a  read;/  subsc7-iption,  bought  of  Thomas  Wiggins,  of  Philadelphia,  (by 
whose  favor,  $20.  were  deducted  from  the  price,)  to  be  the  property  of  the 
church,  (gathered  Oct.  3,  1722,  whose  covenant  is  written  in  this  book 
and  in  the  Pulpit  Bible,)  to  be  used  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
supper  so  long  as  the  church  shall  choose.  Whole  cost  of  furniture  and 
trunk  $119.  J.  Brack,  Pastor. 

Dec.  31,  1840.     The  same  church  committee  were  appointed. 

Dec.  30,  1841.  The  same  were  re-appointed  as  the  committee  of  the 
church. 

Dec.  29,  1842.  Jan.  4,  1844.  Jan.  2,  1845.  The  same  were  re-ap- 
pointed committee  of  the  church. 

April  30,  184(j.  Joseph  Camp  was  chosen  by  ballot  committee  in  place 
of  William  Deming,  deceased.     The  others  re-appointed. 

Dec.  31,  1846.     The  same  re-appointed. 

July  1,  1847.  Jedidiah  Deming  was  chosen  deacon  in  the  place  of 
Dea.  Levi  Deming. 

Dec.  30,  1847.  Church  Committee.  Two  deacons,  Joseph  Camp, 
Lester  Luce,  and  Jeremiah  Seymour. 

Jan.  4,  1849.     The  same  were  re-appointed. 

Nov.  29,  1849.  Dea.  Origen  Wells,  having  served  the  church  ever  since 
1818,  resigned  his  work  as  deacon,  on  account  of  the  loss  of  sight,  and 
brother  Jeremiah  Seymour  was  chosen  deacon  in  his  place. 

Jan.  3,  18.50.  Church  Committee,  two  deacons,  Joseph  Camp,  Lester 
Luce,  Roger  Welles. 

Jan.  2,  18.51,  and  Jan.  1,  1852.     The  same  were  re-appointed. 

Dec.  30,  1852.  Two  deacons,  (ex-oflicio)  of  the  standing  committee. 
Josiah  Atwood  chosen  by  ballot  in  the  place  of  Joseph  Camp,  deceased, 
for  the  year  ensuing.     Roger  Welles  and  Lester  Luce  re-appointed. 

Dec.  29,  1853.  Same  Committee  re-appoiated.  Widow  Dorothy  Stod- 
dard re-admitted  to  the  church. 

Jan.  4,  1855.  Dea.  Deming,  Dea.  Seymour,  Roger  Welles,  Josiah 
Atwood,  and  Lester  Luce  re-appointed  church  Committee.  Dea.  Deining's 
account  reported,  and  a  contributioa  directed  for  paying  the  account.* 

*The  la.st  entry  by  Dr.  Brace. 


179 

May  4,  1855.     Charles  K.  Atwoocl  was  appointed  Clerk. 

Jan.  5,  I85(j.  Deacons  J.  Demingand  J.  Seymour,  and  brethren  Roger 
Welles,  .Josiah  Atwood,  and  Erastus  Latimer  were  appointed  committee 
for  the  year. 

Mar.  3,  "  Voted,  That  we  make  choice  of  and  invite  Mr.  William  P. 
Aikin  to  become  colleague  pastor  with  Rev.  Dr.  Brace. 

"  Voted,  That  Erastus  Latimer  be  a  committee  to  inform  the  society  of 
our  action  ami  request  their  concurrence. 

"  Voted,  That  Charles  K.  Atwood,  Marcus  W.  Stoddard,  and  Levi 
S.  Deming  be  a  committee  of  the  church  to  inform  Mr.  Aikin  of  our  call, 
and  to  take  measures  necessary  to  his  settlement." 

1857.  Mr.  Aikin  having  accepted  the  call,  Friday,  January  9,  was 
appointed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  Public  exercises  in  the  after- 
noon were  conducted  by  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Andrews,  assisted  by  Rev.  Fred- 
erick Gridley. 

Charles  K.  Atwood,  Clerk  of  Church. 


Note. — The  records  kept  by  Dr.  Brace  are  written  in  a  very  plain  hand,  and 
are  still  in  a  very  good  state  of  preservation.  They  contain  the  church  Covenant, 
Ordinations,  Admissions  to  Communion,  Baptisms,  Confessions,  Publishments, 
Marriaj^es,  Funerals  or  Deaths,  Church  Proceedings,  Those  dismissed  and  recom- 
mended to  other  churches,  and  the  Delegates  to  Councils.  A  large  portion  of 
these  records  is  omitted,  and  that  portion  printed  has  been  abridged  to  some 
extent ;  as  an  instance  of  this  abridgment  may  be  mentioned  the  fact  that  Dr. 
Brace  records  not  only  the  deaths  of  his  people  and  their  ages,  but  also  the 
diseases  which  carried  them  oif ;  the  latter  have  been  omitted.  A  single  case  of 
discipline  has  been  given  where  certain  persons  were  excluded  for  absenting 
themselves  from  the  communion  and  ordinances  of  the  church,  in  whose  case  the 
action  of  the  church  was  the  reverse  of  that  taken  recently  by  a  distinguished 
church  in  Brooklyn.  Only  two  other  cases  of  discipline  occur  in  Dr.  Brace's 
ministrv. 


The  resignation  of  Dr.  Brace,  January  16,  1855,  closed  a 
ministry  of  fifty  years ;  and  although  he  had  passed  the  age 
of  threescore  years  and  ten,  it  could  almost  be  said  of  him 
that  "his  eye  was  not  dim,  nor  his  natural  force  abated." 
The  affection  of  his  people  towards  him  was  certainly  una- 
bated. In  his  valedictory  discourse  he  said :  "  The  great  body 
of  this  congregation  can  not  look  back  to  the  time  when  I  was 
not  here.  They  have  known  no  other  minister."  He  was  as 
a  father  to  them  all.  Under  these  circumstances  his  with- 
drawal from  his  life  work  was,  in  the  language  of  a  brother 
minister,  "  a  fitting  close  of  a  favored  ministry.  This  termi- 
nation of  the  pastoral  office,  and  laying  down  the  commission 
borne  for  more  than  half  a  century,  while  yet  conscious  of 
the  possession  of  vigorous  powers,  and  of  the  active  confidence 


180 

and  affection  of  a  grateful  people,  was  a  delightful  exhibition 
of  the  power  of  the  gospel."  He  himself  has  left  on  record 
the  following  remarkable  testimony  of  his  devotion  to  his 
chosen  work  and  people:  "Now,  my  people,  if  you  should  rise 
up  in  a  body  here  to-day,  and  propose  this  one  question  to  me, 
viz:  'If  we  should  all  go  back  to  our  youth  again,  would  you, 
with  all  your  experience,  come  and  be  our  minister  again?' 
what  would  I  say  ?  If  I  were  to  go  back  and  begin  my  life 
anew  I  would  choose  the  Christian  ministry  for  my  work,  and 
for  the  joy  of  my  life,  Lord  Jesus  accept  me.  'Would  I  come 
and  be  the  minister  of  Newington  again?'  Yes,  yes,  my 
brethren,  I  think  I  can  say  that  I  ivould,  and  spend  the  half 
century  with  youT  And  his  people  would,  in  response,  also 
have  taken  him  anew  to  their  hearts,  as  their  minister  for  the 
half  century  over  again.  A  portion  of  his  work  appears  in 
the  preceding  records,  but  the  whole  will  never  be  made  man- 
ifest until  the  final  books  of  account  shall  be  opened  at  the 
holding  of  the  Great  Assizes.  After  his  resignation  he  left 
the  scene  of  his  life-long  labors,  and  took  up  his  residence 
with  his  son-in-law.  Rev.  Dr.  John  Todd,  at  Pittsfield,  Mass., 
where  he  ended  his  earthly  pilgrimage  in  peace  with  all  men 
and  with  his  Maker,  having  length  of  days,  and  honor,  and 
"  riches  incorruptible  and  that  fadeth  not  away." 

During  the  season  following  the  resignation  of  Dr.  Brace 
the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Rev.  Jno.  Whittlesey,  of  New  Brit- 
ain. A  revival  followed  his  preaching,  which  resulted  in  the 
addition  to  the  church  of  about  thirty  persons.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1855,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  David  H.  Thayer,  then 
settled  at  Mount  Carmel.  Mr.  Thayei'  declined.  In  March, 
1856,  Mr.  William  P.  Aiken,  then  a  tutor  in  Yale  College, 
received  a  call,  which  he  accepted  with  the  understanding  that 
his  ordination  should  not  take  place  until  January,  1857. 
During  the  interval  between  his  call  and  ordination  the  pulpit 
was  supplied  by  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Andrews,  of  Hartford. 

SECOND  PERIOD,  18S7-1874. 
Mr.  Aiken  was  ordained  Tuesday,  January  15, 1857.     The 
churches  represented  on  the  occasion  were  the  following: 
Hartford  Ist,  Rev.  Joel  HaweSj^D.  D.,  Samuel  Ward;  Farm- 


181 

ington,  Dea.  Thomas  Treadwell ;  West  Hartford,  Rev.  M.  N. 
Morris,  Dea.  Josiah  W,  Griswold;  Berlin,  Josiali  Webster; 
Rocky  Hill,  Rev.  L.  B.  Rockwood,  Dea.  Thomas  D.  Williams; 
Wethersfield,  Rev.  W.  S.  Colton,  Dea.  Galpin;  Pittsfield  1st, 
John  E.  Todd;  Hamden,  Rev.  David  H.  Thayer,  Joshua 
Carpenter;  church  in  Yale  College,  Rev.  George  P.  Fisher, 
Rev.  Theodore  D.  Woolsey,  president  of  Yale  College;  Rev. 
Frederick  Gridley,  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Andrews,  Rev.  Joab  Brace, 
senior  pastor  of  the  church.  Dr.  Hawes  was  appointed  mod- 
erator, and  Rev.  Mr.  Colton  scribe.  The  several  parts  of  the 
public  service  were  performed  as  follows:  Invocation  and 
reading  of  the  Scriptures,  Rev.  Mr.  Morris;  sermon.  Rev. 
Pres.  Woolsey;  ordaining  prayer.  Rev.  Dr.  Brace;  charge  to 
the  pastor,  Rev.  Royal  Robbins;  right  hand  of  fellowship, 
Rev.  Prof.  Fisher;  address  to  the  people,  Rev.  S.  J.  Andrews; 
concluding  prayer.  Rev.  D.  H.  Thayer;  benediction  by  the 
pastor. 

Rev.  Mr.  Aiken  continued  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the 
pastoral  office  for  ten  years,  most  acceptably  to  his  people, 
who  with  great  reluctance  yielded  to  his  departure  to  another 
field  of  labor  in  the  summer  of  1867.  He  resigned,  and  a 
mutual  council  was  called  which  severed  the  tie  which  had 
so  happily  bound  pastor  and  people  together.  He  became 
principal  of  the  Lawrence  Academy  at  Groton,  Mass.  He 
is  at  this  time  settled  at  Vergennes,  Yt. 

In  February,  1868,  Mr.  Sandford  S.  Martyn  received  a  call, 
which  he  accepted  March  12,  1868,  and  was  ordained  April 
29,  1868.  He  continued  pastor  two  years,  when  he  resigned 
to  take  charge  of  the  church  in  New  Hartford,  where  he  is 
still  settled. 

On  the  second  Sabbath  in  June,  1870,  Rev.  Robert  G.  Yer- 
milye,  then  professor  in  the  Hartford  Theological'Seminary, 
began  to  supply  tlie  pulpit.  July  3d,  1870,  on  invitation  of 
the  Society's  Committee,  he  became  stated  preacher,  and  so 
continued  until  November  2d,  1873,  when  he  ceased  his  serv- 
ices on  account  of  failing  health.  He  is  now  living  in  Hart- 
ford. He  continued  to  discharge  his  duties  as  professor  while 
acting  as  preacher  in  Newington.     This  ends  the  catalogue  of 


182 

worthy  men  who  have  for  nearly  a  century  and  three-quarters 
proclaimed  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  hungry  souls  in 
Newington.  Most  of  them  have  gone  to  their  reward,  but 
their  influence  has  left  its  impress  upon  the  character  of  the 
people,  who  are  pre-eminently  moral,  intelligent,  temperate, 
and  industrious,  and  who  from  the  first  have  been  engaged 
almost  wiiolly  in  the  peaceful  cultivation  of  the  soil.  Like 
the  Acadian  farmers,  they  have  been — 

"Men  whose  lives  glided  on  like  rivers  that  water  the  woodlands, 
Darkened  by  shadows  of  earth,  but  reflecting  an  image  of  heaven. 

Living  in  a  fruitful  valley,  formerly 

"  Distant,  secluded,  and  still, 

the  description  of  the  poet  might  be  very  truthfully  applied 
to  the  homes  of  our  fathers. 

"  There,  in  the  midst  of  its  farms,  reposed  the  Acadian  village. 

Strongly  built  were  the  houses,  with  frames  of  oak  and  of  chestnut, 

There  in  the  tranquil  evenings  of  summer,  when  brightly  the  sunset 

Lighted  the  village  street,  and  gilded  the  vanes  on  the  chimneys. 

Matrons  and  maidens  sat  in  snow  white  caps  and  in  kirtles 

Scarlet,  and  blue,  and  green,  with  distaffs  spinning  the  golden 

Flax  for  the  gossiping  looms,  whose  noisy  shuttles  within  doors 

Mingled  their  sound  with  the  whir  of  the  wheels  and  the  songs  of  the  maidens. 

Then  came  the  laborers  home  from  the  fields,  and  serenely  the  sun  sank 

Down  to  his  rest,  and  twilight  prevailed, 

Columns  of  pale  blue  smoke  like  clouds  of  incense  ascending. 

Rose  from  a  hundred  hearths,  the  homes  of  peace  and  contentment. 

Thus  dwelt  together  in  love  these  simple  Acadian  farmers — 

Dwelt  in  the  love  of  God  and  of  man. 

Newington  has  an  honored  past.  May  her  sons  ever  prove 
worthy  descendants  of  those  noble  sires  who  originally  ob- 
tained the  liberty  to  be  a  distinct  parish  from  the  parent  soci- 
ety, for  the  high  purpose  of  "  carrying  on  the  worship  of  God 
amongst  themselves." 

"  Sweet  Auburn  !  loveliest  village  of  the  plain, 
■     Where  health  and  plenty  cheered  the  laboring  swain, 
Where  smiling  spring  its  earliest  visit  paid. 
And  parting  summer's  lingering  blooms  delayed — 
Dear  lovely  bowers  of  innocence  and  ease. 
Seats  of  my  youth,  when  every  sport  could  please, 
How  often  have  I  loitered  o'er  thy  green, 
Where  humble  hapj)iness  endeared  each  scene; 
How  often  have  I  paused  on  every  charm — 
The  sheltered  cot,  the  cultivated  tiirra. 
The  never  foiling  brook,  the  busy  mill, 
The  decent  church  that  topped  the  neighboring  hill." 


183 


EXTRACTS  FROM  SOCIETY  RECORDS. 
18S7— 1874. 

LEA&E   OF   PARSONAGE   TO   REV.    WM.   P.    AlKIN. 

Know  all  men,  That  the  Newinjrton  Ecclesiastical  Society,  for  the  con- 
sideration hereinafter  mentioned,  have  leased  to  Rev.  William  T.  Aikin 
the  house,  barn,  and  land  lately  purchased  by  them  for  a  parsonage,*  to 
occupy  and  use  the  same,  with  the  appurtenances  thereof,  so  long  as  he 
shall  remain  ministerially  connected  with  said  society ;  the  said  William 
P.  Aikin  paying  therefor  the  yearly  rt  nt  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars, 
to  be  deducted  from  his  salary.  And  the  said  William  P.  Aikin  agrees 
with  said  society,  to  keep  the  fences  and  buildings  in  good  repair,  and  to 
paint  such  parts  of  the  house  and  fences,  as  are  now,  or  ought  to  be 
painted,  so  often  as  shall  be  necessary  or  proper  ;  the  society  to  provide 
timber  for  repairing  the  fences,  and  whenever  it  shall  be  necessary  to 
renew  the  roof  of  any  building,  or  replace  any  timber  by  reason  of  decay, 
the  said  society  will  do  it  at  their  own  proper  cost.  This  agreement  is  to 
be  of  force  for  one  year,  and  then  from  year  to  year,  unless  annulled  by 
the  society  at  their  next  annual  meeting,  or  at  some  other  meeting  called 
for  the  purpose.  William  P.  Aikin. 

Newingtox,  January  14,  A.  D.  1857. 

It  is  not  to  be  understood  by  the  above  agreement  that  I  am  to  paint 
the  fences  now  needing  it  until  they  have  been  once  painted  by  the  society. 

W.  P.  A. 

J.  Deming,  Jr.,         ^ 

A.  S.  HuNN,  V  Society's  Committee. 

Chas.  K.  Atwood,  ) 

At  a  society  meeting  held  April  19,  1858,  "  Voted,  That  the  society 
committee  he  authorized  to  put  a  new  roof  on  the  parsonage  house ;  that 
the  society  committee  be  authorized  to  remove  the  present  front  fence 
south  of  the  parsonage,  and  build  a  slat  fence,  and  to  bring  it  out  so  as 
to  correspond  with  the  line  in  front  of  the  house  of  Miss  Prudence  Hall." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  2,  1858,  "  Voted,  That  Dea.  Jeremiah 
Seymour,  Erastus  Latimer,  and  Charles  K.  Atwood  be  appointed  to 
inquire  as  to  the  expediency  of  this  society  giving  a  bond  or  making  ta 
covenant  with  the  occupant  or  owner  of  certain  property  formerly  given 
by  Roxanna  Deming,  to  remain  for  the  use  of  the  Congregational  minister 
of  Newington." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  16,  1858,  The  committee' appointed  to 
inquire  concerning  the  property  bequeathed  by  Roxanna  Deminvj,  reported 
adversely  to  any  claim  on  the  part  of  the  minister  or  society  of  Newington, 
because  said  claim  was  relinquished  years  ago,  and  said  report  is  on  file. 

"  Voted,  That  the  report  of  our  committee  appointed  to  inquire  con- 
cerning the  property  bequeathed  by  Roxanna  Deu)ing  be  accepted." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  1,  1859,  '■''Voted,  That  all  money  received 
by  the  agents  of  this  society  shall  be  paid  to  the  treasurer,  and  that  the 
treasurer  shall  pay  no  money  out  without  an  order  from  the  society's  com- 
mittee." 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  June  11,  1860,  in  consideration  of  the 
request  of  Rev.  William  P.  Aikin  that  his  connection  with  this  people  as 
junior  pastor  be  dissolved.  Resolved,  That  we  believe  the   labors  of  the 

*  This  was  the  late  residence  of  Rev.  Dr.  Brace,  sold  by  him  to  Mile  Doty, 
formerly  of  Hartford,  of  whom  it  was  purchased  by  the  society. 


184 

junior  pastor  of  this  people  have  been  in  a  high  degree  acceptable  and 
profitable  to  us,  ami  we  desire  in  this  manner  to  testify  to  our  confidence  in 
his  ability  to  continue  to  minister  unto  us  to  our  edification  and  satisfac- 
ti(jn  ;  and  we  feel  that  the  severing  of  the  ties  existing  between  the  pastor 
and  people  will  be  highly  detrimental  to  the  spiritual  and  temporal  wel- 
fare of  this  church  and  society.  We,  therefore,  earnestly  and  affection- 
ately invite  him  to  withdraw  the  request  in  compliance  with  which  this 
meeting  was  called. 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  3,  1863,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's 
committee  with  the  treasurer  be  authorized  to  obtain  an  iron  safe  for  the 
society." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  March  9,  1864,  "  Voted,  That  a  committee  of 
three  be  appointed  to  enquire  and  report  in  regard  to  an  organ  or  other 
instrunent  of  music  to  be  used  in  the  church.  H.  L.  Kellogg,  Kufus 
Stoddard,  Edwin  Welles,  committee." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  March  16,  1864,  "  Voted,  That  whereas  Rev. 
William  P.  Aikin,  our  pastor,  has  expressed  a  desire  to  purchase  the  real 
estate  known  as  the  parsonage,  and  whereas  it  is  our  desire  to  encourage 
his  labors,  and  efforts  to  procure  for  himself  a  permanent  residence  with 
us,  therefore, 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  instructed  to  offer  to  him  the 
above  named  property  for  the  sum  of  $2250."* 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  Jan.  31,  1865,  for  the  purpose  of 
taking  action  upon  a  notice  given  to  the  society's  committee  by  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Ph(x;nix  Bank  of  Hartford  that  said  Bank  has  voted  to  effect 
a  new  organization,  as  a  national  banking  association  under  the  national 
currency  act,  and  that  said  society  should  surrender  up  its  certificate  of 
stock  in  said  bank,  and  withdraw  its  stock  from  said  bank  at  its  par  value, 
Resolved,  That  this  society  elects  to  continue  to  hold  its  shares  of  stock  in 
the  Ph(Enix  Bank  of  Hartford,  consisting  of  seven  shares,  as  transferable 
stock ;  and  to  hold  the  same  as  stock  of  the  proposed  national  banking 
association.  The  action  of  the  society's  committee  in  giving  notice  to 
such  effect,  to  the  said  bank,  is  hereby  ratified  and  confirmed. 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  March  1,  1865,  "  Voted,  That  we 
appropriate  the  sum  of  $375,  to  increase  the  salary  of  our  pastor,  Rev. 
William  P.  Aikin,  for  the  present  year." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  14,  1865,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's 
committee  be  directed  to  employ  a  sexton,  and  stipulate  with  him  in  regard 
to  digging  graves  and  attending  funerals. 

"  Voted,  That  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  be  added  to  the 
salary  of  our  pastor.  Rev.  \V.  P.  Aikin,  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Whereas  Rufus  Stoddard  has  expended  for  musical  instruments  the 
sum  of  S27.85  more  than  he  has  received.  Voted,  That  the  above  sum  be 
paid  to  him  from  the  treasury  of  the  ecclesiastical  society,  if  it  is  not 
raised  for  him  in  some  other  way,  in  three  months  from  the  present  time." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  6,  1866,  "  Voted,  That  the  society  accept 
the  lot  known  as  lot  No.  11,  in  the  new  part  of  the  old  burying  ground, 
donated  by  the  Nevvington  School  Society  for  the  use  of  the  pastor  of  the 
Congregational  Church."  f 

*Mr.  Aikin  did  not  purchase. 

t  The  school  societies  of  the  State  were  abolished  by  public  act  in  1856.  In 
18t)2  the  Ncwin<;ton  iSchool  Society  was  rccstabiislied. 

At  the  annual  meetinfi:  of  the  voters  of  the  Newington  School  Society  held 
Oct.  15,  1860,  '^  Voted,  That  this  society  iierel)y  donate  the  north  lialf  of  the 
Burial  lot,  No.  11,  in  the  old  f,n-ound,  to  the  Eeelesiasucal  Soci(!ty,  jus  a  parson- 
ajje  lot,  for  the  use  of  the  pastor  of  the  Conyregatioual  Church;  and  the  treas- 


186 

At  a  society  meetinfi;  held  Dec.  4,  1866,  "  Voted,  That  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  dollars  be  added  to  the  salary  of  William  P.  Aikin,  for  the  year 
ensuing." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  July  13,  1867,  "  Voted,  That  from  and  after 
January  1st,  1868,  the  salary  of  our  pastor.  Rev.  William  P.  Aikin,  shall 
be  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  a  year  and  the  parsonage." 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  July  20,  1867,  "  Voted,  That  the  mem- 
bers of  this  society  deeply  regret  the  action  of  our  pastor.  Rev.  William 
P.  Aikin,  in  tendering  his  resignation  of  the  pastoral  ofBce  in  this  place ; 
that  the  ties  which  have,  for  the  last  ten  years,  so  happily  bound  pastor 
and  people  together  are  not  willingly  sundered  on  our  part;  but  acqui- 
escing in  his  decision  that  to  change  his  fielii  of  labor  would  be  more  con- 
sistent with  his  sense  of  duty,  and  give  him  a  wider  opportunity  to  use 
his  influence  for  good,  we  hereby  accept  his  resignation,  tendering  him 
our  heartfelt  thanks  for  his  faithfulness  to  us  in  the  past,  and  assuring 
him  that  our  benedictions  will  go  with  him  into  his  new  sphere  of  action. 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  are  hereby  instructed  to  unite  with 
the  committee  ol  the  church,  and  with  Mr.  Aikin,  in  calling  a  council  for 
his  dismission. 

^^  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  authorized  to  act  as  agents  for 
the  society,  to  represent  the  society  before  the  council. 

"Voted,  That  Edwin  Welles  and  H.  A.  Whittlesey  be  and  they  are 
hereby  appointed  a  committee  to  comnnmicate  to  Mr.  Aikin  the  action  of 
this  meeting,  and  present  to  him  a  copy  ot  the  foregoing  vote." 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  Feb.  10,  1868,  to  give  a  call,  if  deemed 
expedient,  to  the  Rev.  S.  S.  Martyn  to  become  the  settled  pastor  in  the 
gospel  ministry  over  the  congregational  church  and  people  in  this  place, 
and  to  arrange  terms  of  his  settlement  as  such  pastor. 

urer  is  hereby  authorized  to  issue  the  usual  certificate,  upon  being  notified  that 
the  Ecclesiastical  Society  have  accepted  the  donation  for  the  use  specified." 

In  1865,  the  school  society  purchased  additional  land  for  burial  purposes 
adjoining  the  old  burying  ground  on  tlie  west,  and  employed  Mr.  Scott  of  New 
Britain  to  lay  out  the  ground  into  suitable  lots,  and  make  a  plan,  which  was 
deposited  with  the  clerk  of  the  society  for  reference.  Unoccupied  lots  in  the  old 
ground  were  also  examined  and  numbered  and  assessed.  At  a  meeting  of  the 
School  Society  held  Dec.  18,  1865,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  is 
hereby  instructed  to  sell,  subject  to  all  rules  and  regulations  which,  from  time  to 
time,  may  be  made  by  the  society,  only  the  exclusive  right  of  burial  in  the  lots 
offered  for  sale  in  the  new  buryinfr  ground,  reserving  to  the  society  the  title  in 
fee  simple  to  the  lots,  and  the  society  hereby  guarantee  to  all  who  shall  become 
purchasers  thereof  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  upon  receipt  of  tlie 
I>urchase  money  for  said  lots  sold,  the  exclusive  right  and  title  of  burying  their 
dead  in  said  lots,  and  all  other  rights  and  privileges  necessary  to  the  full  enjoy- 
ment of  said   right  of  burial." 

"  Voted,  That  the  terms  of  sale  be  cash  or  approved  notes  on  interest  for  three 
months." 

At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  25,  1865,  "  Voted,  That  no  person  shall  plant  or 
retain  on  his  lot  on  the  new  ground  any  tree,  or  set  or  retain  around  his  lot  any 
fence  or  hedge  without  the  approbation  of  the  society's  committee."  It  was 
afterwards  voted  to  sell  lots  in  the  new  ground  to  members  of  the  society  only. 

By  the  action  of  the  legislature  in  1872,  the  school  society  was  again  abolished, 
and  its  property  vested  in  the  town  of  Xewlngton,  which  now  therefore  owns  the 
burying  ground,  and  holds  it  upon  the  same  terms  and  subject  to  the  same  rules 
and  regulations  as  did  the  school  society. 

The  last  meeting  of  the  school  society  was  held  Sept.  28,  1871.  In  the  fall 
of  1 872,  the  town  by  vote  authorized  the  town  clerk  to  sell  the  lots  in  the  bury- 
ing ground,  subject  to  the  same  conditions  as  before.  It  is  believed  most  if  not 
all  of  these  conditions  are  enumerated  above. 

24 


186 

Whereas  a  communication  has  been  received  from  the  church,  inform- 
ing us  that  they  have  chosen  Mr.  S.  S.  Martyn  for  their  pastor,  and  desire 
our  concurrence.  Therefore,  Voled,  That  we  concur  with  the  church  in 
the  choice  of  Mr.  Martyn,  and  direct  the  committee,  to  be  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  to  request  his  acceptance  of  the  offer.* 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  April  22, 1870,  "  to  take  into  consider- 
ation the  resignation  of  Rev.  S.  S.  Martyn."  1'he  moderator,  as  committee 
of  the  church,  reported  that  the  church  had  passed  a  vote  to  unite  with 
the  pastor  and  society  in  calling  a  council  to  take  action  upon  Mr.  Mar- 
tyn's  resignation,  "■Voted,  That  this  society  unite  with  our  pastor  and  the 
church  in  calling  a  council  to  act  upon  his  resignation.  Roger  Welles, 
Charles  K.  Atwood,  and  John  M.  Beldenwere  then  appointed  a  committee 
to  represent  the  society  belore  the  council." 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov.  8,  1870,  "  Voted,  That  the  society's 
committee  be  authorized  to  employ  Rev.  Dr.  Vermilye  to  supply  the  pulpit 
for  the  ensuing  year." 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  April  12,  1871,  "to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  expediency  of  celebrating  the  one  hundred  and  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  the  existence  of  Newington." 

The  clerk  read  by  request  a  report  of  a  committee  of  the  "  Farmers 
Club,"  recommending  that  a  celebration  be  held  on  the  25th  day  of  May 
next,  as  the  25th  day  of  May,  1 721,  was  the  date  of  ihe  passage  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  of  the  resolution  which  gave 
the  name  of  Newington  to  this  parish. 

"  Voled,  That  Charles  K.  Atwood,  Henry  M.  Robbins,  Joshua  Belden, 
and  David  L.  Robbins  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  ex- 
pediency of  celebrating  the  150th  anniversary  of  Newington,  and  if  deemed 
expedient  by  them,  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements  for  such  cele- 
bration."! 

At  a  society  meeting  held  Nov,  7, 1871.  "  Highly  appreciating  the  past 
services  of  Rev.  Dr.  Vermilye,  and  desiring  to  enjoy  them  still  further,  it 
is  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  instructed  to  engage  him  ibr 
another  year.     Passed  unanimously. 

At  a  special  society  meeting  held  Feb.  24,  1873,  "to  take  action  upon 
the  acceptance  of  the  devise  of  Miss  Prudence  Hall  of  certain  land  with 
conditions  attached." 

"  Whereas  Prudence  Hall,  late  of  Newington,  deceased,  has,  by  her 

*  The  society  voted  to  give  him  $1,200  a  year  in  addition  to  the  parsonage, 
which  he  accepted  March  12,  1870.  Previous  to  this  time  the  pulpit  had  been 
supplied  partly  by  Rev  Mr.  Winslow,  then  of  Newington,  also  Kev.  Mr.  Riggs 
of  West  Hartford  had  held  many  meetings  which  resulted  in  a  revival  which  was 
in  progress  at  this  time. 

t  A  majority  of  the  committee  were  of  the  opinion  that  the  best  mode  of  cele- 
brating this  anniversary,  was  to  obtain  another  grant  from  the  General  Assembly 
making  Newington  a  new  town.  It  was  accordingly  done.  The  history  of  that 
transaction  is  too  long  for  insertion  here.  It  marks  an  epoch  in  the  annals  of 
Newington,  which  will  be  long  remembered  by  those  who  participated  in  it. 
The  statute  book  gives  one  result  of  the  action  that  was  taken,  other  results  are 
unfolding  and  will  continue  to  unfold  so  long  as  Newington  stands  firm  on  its 
foundations.  Let  us  cherish  the  hope  that  these  results  will  always  ]irove  con- 
ducive to  the  permanent  prosperity  and  advancement  of  the  ])lace.  The  "  Far- 
mer's Club,"  is  also  one  of  the  institutions  of  Newington  which  deserves  more 
than  a  passing  notice,  social  in  its  character,  it  has  brought  the  i)eople  together 
for  their  mutual  pleasure  and  improvement,  in  agricultural,  literary,  and  salta- 
tory pursuits.  Its  chronicles  may  be  found  written  in  the  hook  of  records  kept 
by  its  clerk,  which,  being  at  once  instructive  and  amusing,  will  repay  perusal.  Its 
meetings  will  ever  remain  green  in  the  memories  of  those  who  attended  them. 


187 

last  will  and  testament,  given  and  devised  all  her  real  estate  unto  this  soci- 
ety, to  be  and  remain  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  this  society  and  their  suc- 
cessors forever,  as  and  tor  parsonage  property,  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
ministry  of  the  gospel  in  the  Congregational  church  or  society  in  said 
Newington,  subject  however  to  the  condition  that  this  society  shall  pay 
the  expenses  of  her  last  sickness,  her  funeral  expenses,  the  expenses  of 
settling  her  estate,  and  shall  erect  a  suitable  monument  to  her  memory, 
as  appears  by  said  will  duly  proved  and  appi-oved  by  the  Probate  Court  in 
and  for  the  Hartford  Probate  District.     Now,  therefore, — 

"  Voted,  That  this  society  accepts  said  gift  and  devise  of  said  real  estate 
above  mentioned  for  the  purpose  and  upon  the  condition  named  in  said 
will  as  aforesaid. 

"  Voted,  That  the  society's  committee  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized 
and  instructed  to  draw  an  order  or  orders  on  the  treasurer  of  this  society 
in  favor  of  the  executor  of  said  will  for  the  payment  of  the  expenses  of 
the  last  sickness  of  said  Prudence  Hall,  her  iuneral  expenses,  and  the 
expenses  of  settling  her  estate,  whenever  bills  for  the  same  shall  be  duly 
presented  to  them  by  said  executor,  taking  his  receipt  therefor,  and  that 
they  cause  a  suitable  monument  to  be  erected  to  her  memory  at  her  grave, 
satisfactory  to  her  said  executor. 

"  Voted,  That  a  true  and  attested  copy  of  the  above  votes  be  furnished 
to  said  executor  by  the  clerk,  also  a  like  copy  together  with  a  copy  of  the 
will  be  furnished  to  the  town  clerk  to  be  recorded  in  the  land  records  of 
the  town."  * 

Voted,  That  John  D.  Seymour,  Joshua  Belden,  Henry  M,  Robbins,  and 
Samuel  N.  Kockwell  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  subject 
of  heating  and  repairing  the  meeting  house,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting. 

At  a  meeting  held  ^larch  3,  1873.  Voted,  That  Mrs.  Marcus  Stoddard, 
Miss  ]\Iary  Robbins,  Miss  Agnes  W.  Belden,  and  Mrs.  Charles  Stoddard 
be  added  to  the  committee  of  gentlemen  appointed  at  the  last  meeting  to 
estimate  expenses  and  recommend  alterations  and  improvements  inside 
the  church. 

At  a  meeting  held  Aug.  11,  1873.  Voted,  That  the  special  committee 
be  authorized  to  make  repairs  on  the  inside  of  the  church  to  the  amount 
of  three  thousand  dollars,  to  be  raised  by  subscription  in  such  manner  as 
they  think  best,  also  such  other  repairs  as  future  contributions  may  pro- 
vide for.f 

At  a  meeting  held  January  15,  1874.  Voted,  That  the  rent  of  all  slips 
shall  be  due  and  payable  on  the   first  day  of  November,  1874. 

*  Extract  from  the  will  of  Prudence  Hall. 

"I  give  and  devjse  all  of  ray  real  estate  unto  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  of 
Newington  afore.-aid,  to  be  and  remain  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  said  society  and 
their  successors  forever,  as  and  for  parsonage  property,  for  the  maintenance  of 
the  ministry  of  the  gospel  in  the  Congregational  Church  or  society  in  said  New- 
ington, this  devise  is  however  subject  to  -the  condition  that  said  Ecclesiastical 
Society  shall  pay  the  expenses  of  my  last  sickness,  my  funeral  expenses,  the 
expenses  of  settling  my  estate,  and  shall  erect  a  suitable  monument  to  my 
memory." 

After  making  certain  bequests  of  personal  property  to  other  parties,  the  will  pro- 
vides as  follows.  '"All  tJie  rest  and  residue  of  my  estate  both  real  and  personal, 
I  give  and  devise  to  said  Ecclesiastical  Society,  to  them  and  their  successors  for- 
ever." 

Executed  October  22,  1870. 

Exhibited  in  Court  Feb.  3,  1873. 

+  The  committee  made  extensive  repairs,  modernizing  the  whole  interior,  put- 
ting in  new  windows,  and  two  furnaces  instead  of  the  old  stoves,  making  the 
church  look  quite  attractive. 


188 

Voted,  That  all  persons  who  purchase  slips  and  may  choose  to  pay  the 
rent  thereof  before  it  becomes  due,  shall  be  allowed  a  deduction  on  such 
rent  of  one  per  cent,  for  each  full  month  between  the  time  of  payment 
and  the  first  day  of  November. 

At  a  society  meeting  held  May  9,  1874.  Voted,  That  we  concur  with 
the  church  in  extending  a  call  to  Mr.  Greenwood  to  settle  with  us  in  tlie 
gospel  ministry.* 

At  a  society  meeting  held  May  30,  1874,  Voted,  That  the  Clerk  have 
permission  to  print,  at  his  own  expense,  and  for  his  own  use,  such  of  the 
society  records  as  he  may  desire. 


Mar. 


CHURCH  RECORDS,  1857—1874. 
I. 

ADMISSIONS. 

1.     During  l^e  ministry  of  Rev.  Wm.  P.  Aikin, 
1,  1857.     Joseph  Francis. 


"     Mary  Ann  Francis,  his  wife. 
"     Jane  E.,  wife  of  Jacob  Dix, 

letter  from  East  Hartford. 
"     Nancy  Francis. 
Mar.  21.     Adeline,  wife  of  Pratt 
Francis,    letter    from    West 
Avon. 
April  12.     Margaret  Taylor,  let- 
ter from  Westfield,  Mass. 
July  4.     Electa  Merrills. 

"     Lucy      Addison,     wife     of 

Woodford  Kilbourn. 
"     Reuben  Canfiekl  Osborn. 
"     Olive  Osborn,  his  wife. 
"     John  Deming  Seymour. 
"     Rufus  Stoddard. 
«     Abby  Coffin  Aikin. 
Nov.  4.     George  Scranton  Dem- 
ing. 
"     Julia  Richards,  letter  from 
N.  York. 
May  12,  1859.     Charles  K.  At- 
wood,  letter  from  the  church, 
in  Yale  College. 
Aug.    21,    1860.      Susan    Curtis, 
wife   of    William    P.   Aikin, 
letter  from  Rutland,  Vt. 

May ,  1 8  G 1 .    Mrs. Luce,  wife 

of    Joshua    C.    Luce,   letter 
from  East  Hartford. 


July  1.     Eliza  A.,  wife  of  Joseph 
Camp,  letter  from   Windsor 
Locks. 
July  22.     Jerusha,  wife  of  Josiah 
E.  Atwood,  letter  from  New 
Britain. 
Jan.   4,    1863.      Rev.   Frederick 
Gridley,    letter    from    Yale 
College. 
"     Mrs.     Mary     Gridley,     his 
wife,  letter  from  East  Lyme. 
"     Martha  Lois  Butler. 
May.     Mrs.  Charlotte  Soper,  let- 
ter from  Poquonnock. 
Nov.  4.     Henry  Butler. 

"     Mary  Elizabeth  Belden. 
Jan.  3,  1864.     Agnes  Whittlesey 

Belden. 
July  3.     Mrs.  Sarah  C.  W.,  wife 
of  Robert  Joyner,  letter  from 
Egremont,  Mass. 
May    7,    1865.      Elias    Merwin 
Steele. 
"     Ella  Harriet  Dillings. 
"     Sarah  Louisa  Wiers. 
"     Mrs.  Maria  Anna  Bacon. 
"     Jane  Electa  Whittlesey. 
"     Coi'neli^i  Hale  Belden. 
"     Mary  Cornelia  Francis. 
July  2.     Mary  Ellen   Davis. 
"     Elisha  Burrit  Bliuu. 


*Mr.  Greenwood  declined.     The  society  offered  him  a  salary  of  $1,000,  and 
the  use  of  the  parsonage. 


189 


July  2.     Harriet  Lavinia  Blinn. 
"     Mrs.  Mary  Jane  Churchill. 
"     Ellen  Agnes  Merrills. 
«     Charles  Levi  Willard. 
"     Joshua  Belden. 
"     Julia  Arabella  Robbins. 
"     David  Lowrey  Robbins. 
"     Alexander   McLean,   letter 
from  Bloomfield. 
Dec;    3L      Mrs.   Anna,   wife   of 
Seth  Purrinton,  letter  from 
Colerain,  Mass. 
Jan.  21,   1866.     Mrs.   Hepsebah 


Stoddard,  letter  from  Weth- 
ersfield,  III. 
July.       Mary,  wife    of    Shubael 
Whaples,   letter   from    Day- 
ville.  Conn. 
"     Edward  L.  Demiug. 
"     Eliza  J.  Deming,  his  wife. 
April    14,   1867.      Mrs.   Martha, 
wife  of  Hudson  N.  Stoddard, 
■  letter  from  West  Hartford, 
May  5.     Luella  Dow. 
July  1 2.     Charlotte,  wife  of  John 
S.  Rowley,  letter  from  Hart- 
ford. 


2.     After  Mr.  Aikin  resigned. 

Mar.  22,  1868.     Mrs.  E.  E.  W.  Camp,  wife  of  L.  W.  Camp,  letter 
from  Berlin,  2d. 


3.     During  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Sandford  S.  Martyn. 


May    3,    1868.      Blinn    Chester 
Griswold. 

"  Mary  Ann  Griswold. 

"  Lucy  Emiline  Whaples. 

"  Agnes  Elizabeth  Whaples. 

"  Sarah  Hanmer  Boardman. 

"  Samuel  Hart  Kilboui'n. 

"  Frances  Louisa  Camp. 

"  Henry  William  Blinn. 

"  Roger  Welles. 

"  Thomas  Robbins  Atwood. 

"  John  R.  Bowen. 

"  Isabella  Bowen. 

"  James  Reed. 

"  Erastus  Kilbourn,  jr. 

"  Sarah  Adalette  Dillings. 

"  Clarence  Henry  Rockwell. 

"  Lewis  Stephen  Hubbard. 

"  Martha  Elizabeth  Davis. 

"  Ellen  Amanda  Deming. 

"  Julia  Belden. 

"  James  Blinn  Griswold. 

"  Lucy  Lowrey  Welles. 

"  Ellen  Maria  Francis. 

"  George  Newton  Downs. 
Sept.  6.     Pratt  Francis. 

"  Flora  Francis. 


Deming,  d. 


of 


Sept.  6.     Katie  M 

Dea.  Levi  S.  Deming. 

«     Mrs.  Volitia  C.  Goodrich. 

"     Elizabeth  L.  Joiner. 

"     Abby  Osborn. 

"  Lucy  M.  Robbins,  d.  of  Mrs. 
Lowrey  Robbins. 

"     John  S.  Rowley. 

"  George  H.  Rowley  and  Ed- 
ward R.  Rowley,  sons  of 
J.  S.  R. 

"     Abby  F.  Richards. 

"     Mrs.  Marilla  R.  Webster. 

"  Mary  Seymour,  d.  of  John 
D.  Seymour. 

"  William  G.  Wells,  Mary 
Wells,  and  Cornelia  Augusta 
Wells,  children  of  William 
Wt^Us. 

«     Edward  Wetherell. 

"     George  E.  Whaples. 
Sept.  13.     Mi's.  Sarah  E.  Apple- 
bee,  letter  from  M.  E.  Church 
in  Bristol. 
Jan.  3,  1869.     Ellis  Jones. 

"  Mrs.  Martha  Whaples,  wife 
of  Henry  Whaples. 


190 


4.     During  the  preaching  of  Dr.  R.  G.  Vermilye. 


July    2,    1871.     Fanny   Augusta 
Welles. 
"     Mary  Robbins  Welles. 
"     Emily  Welles  Stoddard. 


Frances  Harriet  Kirkham. 
Liilie  Frances  McLean. 
Heman  Charles  Whittlesey. 


11. 

BAPTISMS. 

1.     During  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Wm.  P.  Aikin. 

Mar.     1,  1857.     Joseph  J.  Francis,  and  Mary  Ann,  his  wife. 
Mar.  29.     Mary  Dayton,  d.  of  George  and  Mary  Davis. 
"     29.     Mary  Robbins,  d.  of  Edwin  and  Lucy  L.  VVelles. 
"     29.     Catharine  Maria,  d.  of  Levi   S.  and  Caroline  S.  Deming. 
April  26.     Emily  Welles,  d.  of  Rufus  and  Sarah  Stoddard. 
May.  Nancy  Francis,  adult. 

July    19.     Alice  Cornelia,  d.  of  Jedidiah  and  Nancy  Deming. 

"     1 9.     Heman  Charles,  s.  of  Heman  and  Eunice  Whittlesey. 
Feb.     7,  1858.     Charles  Jedidiah,  s.  of  William  and  Cornelia  Welles. 

April  25.     Alfred  Osborn,  s.  of Patchett. 

May   30.     Walter  Baldwin,  s.  of  John  D.  and  Abby  Seymour. 
July      1.     Alice  Robbins,  d.  of  Nelson  and  Sarah  Woodruff. 
"       4.     Abby  Coffin  Aikin,  and  John  Deming  Seymour,  adults. 
"       4.     Abigail    Barber  Osboin,  and   Charlotte   Gillett  Osboru, 
children  of  Reuben  C.  and  Olive  Osborn. 
Nov.     7.     Laura  Louisa,  d.  of  Benjamin  Benstead. 

"     21.     Charles  Edwin,  s.  of  Edwin  and  Lucy  Welles. 
June  19,  1859.     Edwin  Edgerton,  s.  of  William  P.  and  Susan  C. 

Aikin. 
Aug.     6.     Henry.  Laurens,  s.  of  Henry  L.  and  Julia  A.  Kellogg. 
Dec.   22.     Georgeanua,  d.  of  Heman  A.  and  Eunice  Whittlesey. 

"     25.       Mary  Maria,  d.  of Patchett. 

April  16,  1860.     Fanny  Liilie,  d.  of  Benjamin  and  Eliza  Benstead. 
Sept.  23.     William,  s.  of  John  D.  and  Abby  Seymour. 
"     30.     Welles,  s.  of  Coleman  E.  and  Electa  S.  Wheeler. 

1861.     Henry  Holmes,  s.  of  Henry  and  Fanny  Lumm. 
Martin,  s.  of  Roger  and  Mercy  D.  VVelles. 
Frances  Harriet,  d.  of  John  S.  and  Harriet  P.  Kirkham. 
Kate  Mary,  d.  of  Josiah  E.  and  Jerusha  Atwood. 
Susan  Curtis,  d.  of  William  P.  and  Susan  C.  Aikin. 
Frank  Rufus,  s.  of  Rufus  and  Sarah  Stoddard. 
Eliza  Webster,  d.  of  Lemuel  W.  and  Eliza  Camp. 

.     A  child  of Patchett. 

Mary  Crowell,  d.  of  Roger  and  Mercy  D.  Welles. 
George  Dayton,  s.  of  George  and  Mary  A.  Davis. 
Thomas  Atwood,  s.  of  John  S.  and  Harriet  Kirkham. 
Julia  Welles,  d.  of  John  D.  and  Abby  Seymour. 


Jan. 

2,] 

Feb. 

10. 

July 

21. 
21. 

Aug. 
Sept. 
Oct. 

18. 
25. 
31. 

1862 

May, 

July 

Sept. 

u 

4. 
3. 
4. 
4. 

(( 

1. 

June 

28, 

Aug. 

5. 

Nov. 

1. 

(( 

1. 

191 

Nov.  26.     Lillie,  d.  of  Benjamin  and  Eliza  Benstead. 

1863.     Martha  Lois  Butler,  adult. 

June   21.     Mary  Elizabeth,  d.  of  Henry  and  Fanny  Lumm. 
"     21.     Roger  Welle-J,  s.  of  Roger  and  Mercy  D.  Welles. 
Nov.     1.     Henry  Curtis  Butler,  adult. 

Oct.    30,  1864.     Alice  Louisa,  d.  of  William  P.  and  Susan  C.  Aikin. 
May  1865.     Elias  Merwin  Steele,  Sarah  Louisa  Wiers,  Mary  Cor- 
nelia Francis,  and  Maria  Ann  Bacon,  adulis. 
June     4.     George  Sheldon,  s.  of  Reuben  C.  and  Olive  Osborn. 

"       4.     JSarah  Aikin,  d.  of  Roger  and  Mercy  D.  Welles. 
Sept.  10.     John  Henry,  s.  of  John  S.  and  Harriet  Kirkhiim. 
April  1,  1866.     Prudence   Elizabeth  and  Levi  Burritt,  children  of 
Burritt  and  Hannah  Blinn. 

Mary  Rebecca,  d.  of  widow  Mary  Churchill. 
George  Wolcott,  s.  of  John  D.  and  Abby  Seymour. 
William  Pope,  s.  of  William  P.  and  Susan  C.  Aikin. 
Isabel  Ellis,  d.  of  Josiah  Elbert  and  Jerusha  Atwood. 
Mary  Atwood,  d.  of  John  S.  and  Harriet  Kirkham. 
Jan.      4,  1867.     Catharine  and  Laura,  children  of  Lemuel  W.  and 

Eliza  Camp. 
Mar.  10.     Edwin  Stanley,  s.  of  Roger  and  Mercy  D.  Welles. 
May     5.     Arthur  Wiuthrop,  s.  of  Dea.  Rufus  and  Sarah  Stoddard. 
July      7.     James  Levi,  s.  of  Edward  and  Eliza  L  Deming. 

2.     After  Mr.  Aikin  left. 
Jan.  4,  1868.     Charles  Levi,  s.  of  Alex.  D.  and  Mary  J.  McLean, 

3.     During  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Sandford  S.  Martyn. 

May  3,  1868.     James  Blinn  Griswold,  adult. 

3.  Ellen  Maria  Francis,  " 

"  3.  George  Newton  Downs,              " 

"  3.  Blinu  Chester  Griswold,              " 

"  3.  Mary  Ann  Griswold,                    '• 

"  3.  Agnes  Elizabeth  Whaples,          " 

"  3.  Sarah  Hanmer  Boardman,          " 

*'  3.  Frances  Loui.>a  Camp,                 " 

"  3.  Henry  William  Blinn, 

July  6.  Daughter  of  Blinn  C.  Griswold,  and  Mary  Ann,  his  wife. 

Sept.  6.  Pratt  Francis,  Flora  Francis,  and  John  S.  Rowley,  adults. 

"  6.  George    H.   Rowley  and    Edward   R.  Rowley,  sons  of 
J.  S.  Rowley. 

"  6.  Abby  F.  Richards,  adult. 

"  6.  Mrs.  Marilla  R.  Webster. 

"  6.  Edward  Wetherell,  immersed. 

"  6.  George  Whaples,          " 

Jan.  3,  1869.     Ellis  Jones. 

"  3.  Martha,  wife  of  Henry  Whaples. 

July  3.  Elbert  Webster,  s.  of  Henry  Whaples. 


192 

4.     During  the  preaching  of  Dr.  R.  G;  Vermilye. 

July      2,  1871.     Lillie  Frances  McLean,  on  profession  of  faith. 
Mar.  26.     Lemuel  Aikin,  s.  of  Roger  and  Mercy  D.  Welles. 

Child  of  Lemuel  W.  Camp. 
July,  1873.     Alice  Mary,  d.  of  Franklin  C.  Latimer. 

5.     After  Dr.  Vermilye  left. 
July     5,  1 874.     Frank  Clarence,  s.  of  Clarence  H.  Rockwell. 


III. 

marriages. 

1.     During  the  ministry  of  Rev.  William  P.  Aikin. 

March  9,  1857.     William  W.  Clark  and  Mary  L  Stoddard. 
"      22.     John  Demino;  and  Mary  Blake,  both  of  Wethersfield. 
"      25.     Henry  W.  Blinn,  of  Wethersfield  and  Harriet  Redfield, 
of  Killingsvvorth. 

John  E.  Whittlesey,  Morris,  HI.,  and  Lydia  F.  Camp,  of 
Wethersfield. 

May      5.     Stephen   B.  Churchill    and   E.   Amelia   Blinn,  both  of 
Wethersfield. 

March  23,  1858.     Samuel  J.  M.  Kellogg  and  Harriet  M.  Rogers,  of 
New  London. 

April    13.     Coleman  E.  Wheeler  of  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  and  Electa 
S." Welles  of  Wethersfield. 

Edwin  Williamson,  of  Broad  Brook,  N.  Y.,  and  Harriet 
Storer  of  West  Hartford. 

May       3,  1859.     Caleb   J.    Hanmer  and    Ellen   M.  Dix,  both  of 
Wethersfield. 

Nov.     23.     Oliver  Dart,  Jr.,  of  South  Windsor,  and  Emily  Gris- 
wold. 

Dec.       1.     John    S.    Kirkham   and    Harriet    P.  Atwood,   both    of 
Wethersfield. 

March  13,  1860.  John  D.  Griswold  and  Emeline  Kilbourn. 

Oct.        3.     Albert  N.  Hathaway,  Poquonnock,  and  Emma  S.  Rob- 
*  bins. 

Dec.     20.     Edward  M.  Bailey  and  Harriet  Treat  (English). 

April   10,  1861.     Levi  Churchill  and  Mary  I.  Blinn,  both  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Aug.    21.     Henry  D.  Evans,  Avon,  and  Mary  A.  Richards,  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 

Sept.    13.     Frederic   Jenks,    Hartford,   and   Julia   A.   Richards,  of 
Wethersfield. 
"      30.     Charles   Parsons,  New   Britain,  and  Mary  Rought,  of 
Wethersfield. 

April  29,  1863.     Walter  F.  Brown  and  Elizabeth  Seymour,  both  of 
Wethersfield. 

June    18.     Charles  S.  Francis  and  Ellen  Boyington,  both  of  Weth- 
ersfield. 


193 

Aug.   12.     Abraham   Halsey,  Bridgehampton,  L.  I.,  and  Elizabeth 

I.  Stowe,  of  West  Hartford. 
Aug.    18,  1864     Unni  P.  Blinn  and  Ssirah  Gilbert,  both  of  Weth- 

ersfield. 
Oct.    25,  18i55.     Walter  B.  Dorman  and  Abby  I.  Rockwell. 
Feb.     6,  1866.     Henry  L.  Kellogg  and  Laura  K.  Camp,  both  of 

Wethersfield. 
Feb.  6.     Charles  H.  Dillings  and  Eliza  K.  Richards,  both  of  Weth- 

ersfield. 
May     1 6.     Alexander  McLean  and  Wid.  Mary  I.  Churchill,  both  of 

Wethersfield. 
May     18.     Frederic  C  Penfield  and  Mary  E.  Hale,  both  of  New 

Britain. 
Oct.        3.     Charles  L.  Willard  and  Julia  Robbins. 
Dec.       5.     Franklin  C.  Latimer  and  Mary  N.  Seymour. 
Jan.       4,  1867.     George  H.  Grey  and  Sarah  I.  Whaples. 
April   18.     John  H.  Boardraan,  New  Britain,  and  Sarah  Dix. 

2.     During  the  Ministry  of  Rev.  S.  S.  Marttn. 
Aug.       8,  1868.     Joseph  Whaples  and  Miss  Keyes,  both  of  New- 

ington. 
Oct.      21.     George  E.   Gaylord,  of  Hadley,  Mass.,  and  Sarah  L. 

Weir,  of  Newington. 
Dec.  William    Raynsford   and   Anna    Smith,   both   of  New 

Britain. 
"       31.     George  S.  Deming  and  Jane  E.  Whittlesey. 

3.     Marriages  taken  from  Town  Registrar  of  Newington. 
July      27,  1871.     Carrai  Shurtliff,  of  Southwick,  Mass.,  and  Anne 

P.  Hatch,  of  Newington. 
Dec.     25.     William  B.  McKinney,  of  Richford,  Vt.,  and  Emma  L. 

Joyner,  of  Newington. 
June     13,  1872.     Thomas  Tracy,  of  New  Britain,  and  Sophia  L. 

Kirkham,  of  Newington. 
Sept     16.     William  N.  Sprague  and  Sarah  I.  Newton,  both  of  Rock- 

ville,  Ct. 
March  4,  1873.     Marshall  L.  Wright,  of  Rocky  Hill,  and  Mary  E. 

Davis,  of  Newington. 
Feb.     20.     Moses  S.  Ralph,  of   Berlin,  and  Jane  M.  Deming,  of 

Newington. 
May  27,  1874.     John  P.  Ball,  of  Middletown,  and  Hattie  C.  Smith, 

of  Northfield. 


IV. 

DEATHS. 

1.     During  the  ministry  of  Rev.  W.  P.  Aikin. 
March  19,  1857.     Lucy  Camp,  wife  of  Edwin  Gaylord,  aged  67. 
June     20.     Susanna,  wife  of  Elisha  Whaples,  aged  80. 
25 


194 

July       9.     Cliii=lleu  Churchill,  aged  78. 

Sept.    21.     Herbert,  son  of  George  A.  and  Jane  S.  Dickson,  aged  2. 

Oct.        5.     Elisha  Whaples,aged  85. 

"        13.     David,  son  of  Seth  and  Betsey  Purrinton,  aged  19. 
Dec.      21.     Betsey,  wife  of  Seth  Purrinton,  aged  45. 
Jan.      27,  1858.     Mathew,  son  of  Benj.  and  Eliza  Benstead,  aged  1. 
March    6.     William,  son  of  Henry  and  Fanny  Lum,  aged  7. 
April    29.     Roger   Welles,   son  of  John   D.  and  Abby   Seymour, 

aged  2. 
Aug.     20.     Emiline,  wife  of  David  Root,  aged  54. 

"        29.     Erastus  Francis,  aged  56. 
Sept.     22.     Aaron  Davis,  aged  78. 
Oct.       10.     Eliza,  widow  of  James  B.  Griswold,  aged  37. 

"        23.     Frank,  son  of  Newman  and  Caroline  Huntley,  aged  1. 

«        29.     Roswell  Dix,  ag<^d  51. 
Jan.      13,  1859.     William  Blinn,  agpd  61. 

April.  Martha  Jane,  daughter  of  William  and   Margaret  Hub- 

bard, aged  1. 
July        2.     John  Deming,  aged  35. 
Oct.      14.     Mary,  daughter  of  Samuel  Camp,  aged  9. 
Nov.     18.     Roger  Welles,  Esq.,  aged  69. 

"       27.     Martha  Urania,  daughter  of  John  C.  Dow,  aged  23. 
Jan.      18,  1860.     Bridget,  wife  of  John  Flaherty. 
March  2.     Eleanor,  daughter   of  Newman  and  Caroline   Huntley, 
aged  5. 

"        16.     Thomas  Francis,  aged  32. 
April  22.     Levi,  son  of  William  Powers,  aged  16. 

*'       26.     Levi  Adams,  aged  37. 
May       6.     William  Martin,  son  of  William  Powers,  aged  7. 
June.  Riley?  son  of  Wid.  Electa  Merrills,  aged  10. 

July.  Wife  of  William  M.  Powers. 

"       25.     Rebecca  Hunn,  aged  78. 

"       27.     Warren  B.  Crane,  aged  28. 
Aug.    31.     Flavel,  son  of  Robert  and  Sarah  Joyner,  aged  7. 
Sept.    18.     Abigail,  wife  of  Hervey  Francis,  agfd  72. 

"       25.     Sarah  Gaylord,  wife  of  Dea.  Origen  Wells,  aged  77. 

"       29.     Hart,  son  of  John  G.  and   Caroline  Stoddard,  aged   3 
weeks. 
Oct.     15.     Mary  Tobey,  wife  of  Robert  Francis,  aged  64. 
Dec.    25.     Kate,  daughter  of  John  and  Kate  Ramsey,  aged  1. 
Jan.       2,  1861.     Hervey  Francis,  aged  70. 

"        3.     Nathan  Hale,  aged  76. 

"         6.     Charles,  son  of  William  Hubbard,  aged  20. 

"         8.     The  aged  widow  of  Oliver  Richards,  aged  87. 
Feb.      b.     Mary,   daughter  of  the   late    Nelson    and    Harriet   Dil- 

lings,  aged  is. 
March  10.     Celinda,  daughter  of Wiers,  aged  25. 

"       15.     Edward,  son  of  Seth  and  Betsey  Purrinton,  aged  24. 
July.  The  wife  of  Mr.  Luther,  aged  70. 


195 

April  20.  Died  at  Pitt?field,  Mass.,  Rev,  Joab  Brace,  D.  D.,  senior 
pastor  of  the  church  in  this  place.  He  was  born  in  the  year 
1781,  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1804,  and  was  ordained  col- 
league pastor  with  the  Rev.  Joshua  Belden  over  the  church  of 
Christ  in  Newington,  Jan.  14,  1805,  and  continued  to  discharge 
the  active  duties  of  the  ministry  for  a  period  of  fifty  years,  aged  80. 
Nov.      4.     George  T.  Davis,  aged  31. 

"       18.     Jane,  wife  of Steele,  aged  29. 

"       22.     Arden  Whaples,  aged  72. 
Dec.       6.     Elizabeth  Cogswell,  aged  58. 
"       15.     Child  of  John  and  Margaret  Corrigan,  aged  2. 
"       20.     Zaccheus  Brown,  aged  80. 
"       31.     Chester  Webster,  aged  36. 
Jan.     22,  1862.     Edwin  Gaylord,  aged  75. 
March  5.     Caroline   Elizabeth,  daughter  of   Levi   S.  and   Caroline 

Deming,  aged  10. 
April  2J.     Henry  Morris,  only  child  of  Henry  and  Hannah  M.  Luce, 

aged  17. 
May      4.     Lillie,  daughter  of  George  and  Ellen  Tucker,  aged  3^. 

"      19.     Mary  Ann,  wife  of  Joseph  Francis,  aged  28. 
Aug.      5.     The  aged  Jerusha  Seymour,  she  was  the  last  surviving 
member  of   the  church,   admitted    to  its    communion  by    Mr. 
Belden,  aged  92^'^. 
"       19.     Lowrey  Robbins,  aged  69. 

Mrs.  Hannah,  wife  of  Stone,  aged  51. 

Samuel  Dow,  aged  86. 

Samuel  Smith,  found  dead  in  a  barn,  aged  52. 
Emma,  daughter  of  Blinn  Griswold. 
1863.     Abigail,  widow  of  David  Hunn,  aged  75. 
Mary,  widow  of  John  Deraing,  aged  23. 
Lauretta,  daughter  of  Erastus  Kilbourn,  aged  33. 
Near  Washington,  D.  C.,  Eugene,  son  of  Daniel  H.  and 
Sarah  M.  Willand,  and  a  private  in   Company    B,    22d  Reg. 
Conn.  Vol.,  aged  20. 
July.  Samuel  Steele,  son  of  Samuel  Steele,  aged  1. 

"  Child  of  Edward  Bailey,  aged  1. 

"  Child  of  Jared  Starr,  3  months. 

Sept.     8.     Josiah  Atwood,  Esq.,  aged  69. 

"  Two  children  of O'Brien. 

Nov.    14.     Mary  Shepherd,  aged  80. 

Some  time  in  August  died  an  infant  child  of Flaherty, 

and  also  one  of  O'Sullivan. 
Feb.     10,  1864.     Julia,  wife  of  Henry  L.  Kellogg,  aged  45. 
Charles,  son  of  John  and  Mary  Deming,  aged  4. 
Priscilla,  wife  of  Frank  Richards,  aged  54. 
Infant  of  Iri.sh  parents,  at  R.  Francis',  aged  1  mo. 
Charlotte  Churchill,  aged  68. 
Silvester  Warner,  aged  50. 
Dwight  Dix,  aged  18. 
Charlotte  Soper,  aged  75. 


Oct. 

13. 

Dec. 

16. 

u 

23. 

n 

26. 

Feb. 

23. 

March  12. 

u 

23. 

April 

21. 

(( 

16. 

March 

1. 

a 

7. 

April 

7. 

May 

28. 

Aug. 

17. 

Sept. 

25. 

196 


Feb. 

28, 

April 

24. 

24. 

May 

July 

6 

3. 

18. 
•  mor 

li 

20. 

(( 

23. 

Sept. 
Oct. 

6. 

7. 

Nov. 

27. 

Dec. 

5. 

May 

7, 
8. 

Aug. 

(4 

Oct. 

16. 

Nov. 

30. 

Dec. 

13. 

March   4, 

u 

12. 

April 

1. 
1. 

May 
Aug. 

24. 
9. 

March  20, 

April 

4. 

7. 

May 

4, 
24. 

Oct. 

6. 

Sept. 
July 
Nov. 

13. 

22. 
23. 

Dec. 

23. 

1869, 

Aug. 
Dec. 

Jan. 

30. 


1865.  Seth,  son  of  Seth  and  Betsey  Purrinton,  aged  22. 
Mary,  wife  of  Gen.  Martin  Kellogg,  aged  76. 

Frank,  son  of  Blinn  Griswold,  aged  1^. 
Augusta,  wife  of  Samuel  Kilbourn,  aged  22. 
Augustine,  son  of  Samuel  and  Augusta  Kilbourn,  aged 
iths. 
Child  of  J.  S.  Rowley,  aged  1. 
Seth  Purrinton,  aged  59. 
Hiram  London,  aged  60. 
Sophronia  Tucker,  aged  67. 
Widow  of  Chis.lieu  Churchill,  aged  77. 
Marcus  W.  Stoddard,  aged  51. 

1866.  Mercy  Churchill,  aged  73. 

Child  of Irwin,  (Irish)  aged  2  mo. 

Child  of  John  and  Kate  Ramsey,  aged  1. 

Child  of  Henry  Carter,  aged  3  mo. 

Peter  Burns,  aged  62. 

Infant  child  of  Jared  Starr,  aged  2  mo. 

Mary  E.  wife  of  Rev.  Frederic  Gridley,  aged  66. 

1867.  Emily,  wife  of  Dea.  Jeremiah  Seymour,  aged  79. 
Ettie,  daughter  of  Henry  C.  and  Abby  Cadwell,  aged  2. 
Dea.  Jeremiah  Seymour,  aged  80. 

Marshall,  son  of  Rufus  and  Sarah  Stoddard,  aged  12. 
Elliott  W.  Deming,  son  of  Elizur  Deming,  aged  17. 
Luella,  daughter  of  John  C.  Dow,  aged  14. 

2.     After  Mr.  Aikin's  resignation. 

1868.  Abner  Simons,  aged  83. 

Mary,  widow  of  Allen  Stoddard,  aged  78. 
Daniel  Willard,  aged  84. 

3.     During  Mr.  Marttn's  ministry. 

1868.     Dea.  Jedediah  Deming,  aged  77. 

Prudence  K.,  widow  of  Josiah  Atwood,  aged  77. 

William  Kirkham,  aged  80. 

Daughter  of  Lemuel  W.  Camp,  aged  17  mo. 

Freddie,  son  of  John  S.  Rowiey,  aged  10. 

Gen.  Martin  Kellogg,  aged  87. 

Dea.  Origen  Wells,  aged  85. 

Chapman,  aged  85. 

Henry  Whaples. 

Mrs.  Henry  Blinn. 

Capt.  Gilbert,  aged  70. 
1870.     Amon  Richards,  aged  70. 

Dea.  Rufns  Stoddard,  aged  47. 


July 


4.     During  the  preaching  of  Dr.  R.  G.  Vermilte. 

26.  1870.     Sabbath,  funeral    of ,  child  of    Chas.  L. 

Willard. 


197 


Sept.  8.     Wednesday,  funeral  of  the  wife  of  Chas.  Kellogg. 

Nov.  5.     Saturday,  funeral  of   Sarah  Aikin,  daughter  [of   Roger 

Welles,  aged  6. 

Dec.  31.     Carrie  Qsborn,  daughter  of  R.  C.  Osborn,  aged  14. 

Jan.  16,  1872.     Mary  Kilbourn,  wife  of  Oliver  Richards,  aged  66. 

May  16.     E.  E.  Camp,  wife  of  Lemuel  W.  Camp. 

Sept.    12.     Milton,  infant  child  of Dix,  aged  5  weeks. 

5.     Deaths  taken  from  the  Town  Registrar. 

1871.  Homer  Camp,  aged  74. 

1872.  Mary  K.  Richards,  aged  65, 
Lydia  D.  Francis,  aged  77. 
Elbert  Blinn,  son  of  Porter  Blinn,  aged  1^  mo. 
Eliza  E.  W.  Camp,  wife  of  Lemuel  W.  Camp,  aged  40. 
Milton  Dix,  son  of  Jacob  Dix,  aged  12  days. 
Electa  E.  Merrills,  aged  45. 
Frances  M.  D.  McLean,  aged  46. 
Flavel  Weirs,  aged  70. 
William  L.  Deraing,  son  of  Selden  Deming,  aged  23. 

1873,  George  Lovely,  aged  27. 
Prudence  Hall,  aged  87. 
Harriet  Adams,  aged  53. 

Grace  Camp,  dau,  of  L,  W,  Camp,  aged  1 1  mo. 
Katie  A.  Churchill,  aged  26. 
Henry  Kilbourn,  aged  73. 
Mary  Mulcahey,  aged  3. 
Lizzie  Finnegau,  aged  2. 
Alice  Camp,  dau,  of  L.  W.  Camp,  aged  3. 
Samuel  Richards,  aged  73. 
Willie  Hoye,  aged  2  rao. 
Oliver  Warner,  aged  37. 
George  Harlow,  aged  3. 
Edward  Harlow,  aged  4. 
Truman  Weirs,  aged  57. 

1873.  Wyllys  Hopkins,  aged  47. 
John  Sweeney,  tramp,  aged  35. 
Minnie  McGrath,  aged  3. 
Ralph  Childs,  aged  52. 
Babie  Childs,  aged  7  rao. 

1874,  William  French,  aged  2. 
Mrs.  Ellen  Clayton,  aged  57. 
Mrs.  Hudson  H.  Stoddard,  aged  42. 
Mrs,  Clarence  H,  Rockwell,  aged  26. 
Robert  Rockwell,  aged  78. 
John  Squires,  aged  74. 
Caroline  A.  Camp,  aged  39. 

Edmund  A.  G.  Nash,  aged  61.  ^ 

Mrs.  Susanna  McLean,  aged  86. 


Oct. 

K 

Jan. 

16, 

March    7. 

April 
May 
Sept. 
Oct. 

10. 
14. 
13. 
25. 

(( 

27- 

Nov. 

27. 

Dec. 

20. 

Jan. 

7, 

(( 

31. 

Feb. 

11. 

March  26. 

April 

6. 
18. 

a 

25. 

May 
June 

2. 
15. 

t( 

25. 

July 

10. 

28. 

Aug. 

10, 

n 

12. 

U 

14. 

Aug. 
Sept. 
Oct. 

27, 
5. 
3. 

Nov. 

30. 

Dec. 

12. 

Jan. 

23, 

(( 

17. 

a 

25. 

Feb. 

10. 

April 

2. 

19. 

May 
July 
July 

21. 

4. 

14. 

198 


CHURCH  VOTES  AND  PROCEEDINGS. 

Feb.  28,  1857.  Voted,  That  letters  recommending  members  of  other 
churches  to  our  care  and  fellowship,  be  twice  read, — the  first,  two  weeks 
before  the  vote  be  taken  upon  the  question  of  their  admission. 

June  7,  1857.  Brethren  lloger  Welles,  Josiah  Atwood,  and  Erastus 
Latimer  were  chosen  by  ballot  church  committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 
Levi  S.  Deming,  Superintendent  of  Sabbath  School. 

Jan.  1,  1858.  The  church  committee  chosen  last  year  were  re-elected 
for  another  year.  It  was  voted  that  the  afternoon  of  the  second  Sabbath 
in  each  month  be  devoted  to  the  catechetical  instruction  of  the  children. 

Sept.  3,  1858.  Brethren  Chas.  K.  Atwood,  Daniel  H.  Willard,  and 
Rufus  Stoddard  were  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the  expediency 
of  changing  the  book  of  hymns  now  in  use,  and  report  at  the  next  lecture. 
Levi  S.  Deming  and  Homer  Camp  to  report  upon  the  propriety  of  prepar- 
ing and  publishing  a  catalogue  of  the  members  of  the  church. 

Dec.  30,  1858.  Committee  on  Hymn  Book  reported  in  favor  of  a 
change,  and  recommended  the  collection  prepared  by  direction  of  the 
General  Association  of  Connecticut.     Adopted. 

The  committee  on  a  catalogue  reported  in  favor  of  preparing  one,  and 
the  pastor  to  do  it.     Adopted. 

Dec,  1859.  Brethren  Marcus  W.  Stoddard,  Homer  Camp,  and  Erastus 
Latimer  were  chosen  church  committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

June  10,  1860.  The  junior  pastor  of  the  church  having  resigned  his 
pastoral  care,  a  meeting  of  the  church  was  held  on  this  Monday  evening 
to  act  upon  his  request. 

Dea.  Jedidiah  Deming  was  chosen  Moderator,  John  D.  Seymour,  Clerk. 

Prayer  having  been  oifered  by  the  moderator,  a  resolution  requesting 
each  individual  present  to  express  his  opinion  was  offered  and  adopted. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  then  presented. 
Whereas  the  Rev.  William  P.  Aikin,  the  junior  pastor  of  this  church, 

has  requested   a   dissolution  of   the  pastoral   relation    which   subsists 

between  himself  and  this  people — 

Resolved,  1st,  He  has  in  our  view  acted  the  part  of  a  faithful  minister 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  we  hope  and  trust  to  the  salvation  of  many 
souls,  which  shall  be  seals  of  his  ministry  and  crowns  of  his  rejoicing  in 
the  day  of  the  Ijord  Jesus. 

Resolved,  2d,  That  we  believe  he  has  labored  to  the  highest  satisfaction 
and  acceptance  of  this  people,  which  has  manifested  itself  in  the  peace 
and  harmony  which  has  at  all  times  prevailed. 

Resolved,  3d,  That  we  believe  a  dissolution  of  the  relation  which  now 
subsists  between  us,  would  be  disastrous  to  the  prosperity  of  this  church, 
and,  we  fear,  would  result  in  this  people  being  scattered  as  sheep  without 
a  shepherd. 

Resolved,  4th,  That  he  be  invited  to  reconsider  and  withdraw  his  re- 
quest, pledging  to  him  our  cordial  co-operation  and  support. 

Resolved,  5th,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  confer  with 
Mr.  Aikin,  and  to  present  the  foregoing  resolutions.  All  of  which  were 
unanimously  passed. 

Erastus  Latimer,  Hcman  A.  Whittlesey,  and  Marcus  W.  Stoddard  were 
appointed  said  committee. 

Attest,  John  D.  Seymour,  Clerk. 


199 

Dec.  1860.     The  church  committee  of  last  year  were  re-elected. 

Dec.  1861.  M.  W.  Stoddard,  Homer  Camp,  and  Levi  S.  Deming  were 
chosen  church  committee. 

Oct.  19,  1862.  A  letter  having  heen  received  inviting  this  church  to 
meet  in  consociation, — the  meetings  having  been  long  discontinued — the 
expediency  of  continuing  a  connection  was  discussed,  and  finally  laid  over 
for  consideration  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  church  on  lecture  day. 

Oct.  30,  1862.  The  subject  discussed  at  the  last  meeting  was  again 
taken  up.  ^fter  due  deliberation  it  was  voted  unanimously  to  withdraw 
from  that  body. 

Jan.  1,  1863.  Marcus  W.  Stoddard,  Levi  S.  Deming,  and  Homer  Camp 
were  again  chosen  church  committee  for  the  coming  year. 

Sept.  7,  1863.  Brother  Charles  K.  Atwood  having  resigned  the  office 
of  Superintendent,  resolutions  thanking  him  for  the  fidelity  and  ability 
with  which  he  had  discharged  its  duties  were  unanimously  passed,  and 
Joseph  J.  Francis  was  chosen  to  take  his  place,  Heman  A.  Whittlesey, 
assistant,  and  George  S.  Deming,  secretary. 

Jan.  2,  1864.  Levi  S.  Deming,  Rufus  Stoddard,  and  Erastus  Latimer 
were  chosen  a  committee  of  the  church  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Dec.  1865.  Rulus  Stoddard,  Levi  S.  Deming,  and  Homer  Camp  were 
appointed  church  committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Jan.  3,  1866.  Voted,  To  take  a  collection  for  objects  of  Christian 
benevolence  as  often  as  once  in  two  months,  the  cases  to  be  presented  to 
be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  pastor.  Levi  S.  Deming,  Rufus  Stoddard, 
and  Homer  Camp  were  again  chosen  committee  of  the  church. 

Jan.  4,  1867.  Levi  S.  Deming,  Joseph  J.  Francis,  and  Homer  Camp 
were  appointed  church  committee  for  the  coming  year.  Joseph  J.  Francis 
was  chosen  superintt^ndent  of  the  Sabbath  School. 

Voted,  To  take  collections  once  in  two  months  the  ensuing  year.  The 
American  Board,  Home  Missionary  Society,  Bible  and  Tract  Societies, 
the  other  two  objects  to  be  designated  by  the  pastor  and  church  commit- 
tee, the  same  persons  may  also  bring  other  objects  of  benevolence  before 
the  church  in  the  alternate  months. 

May  3,  1867.  Brethren  Rufus  Stoddard  and  Levi  S.  Deming  were  this 
day  chosen  to  serve  the  church  in  the  office  of  deacon,  the  former  to  fill 
the  place  made  vacant  by  the  death  of  Dea.  Jeremiah  Seymour. 

Nov.  1867.     Charles  K.  Atwood  appointed  clerk* 

Jan.  4,  1868.  Joseph  J.  Francis,  Homer  Camp,  and  Jedidiah  Deming 
were  chosen  church  committee  for  the  year.  Joseph  J.  Francis  superin- 
tendent of  the  Sabbath  School. 

Feb.  16,  1868.  At  a  church  meeting  presided  over  by  Rev.  S.  J.  An- 
drews,  Voted,  That  we  invite  Mr.  Sandford  S.  Martyn  to  be  our  pastor. 

Voted,  That  the  society  be  informed  of  our  action  and  requested  to 
concur. 

March  22,  1868.  Voted,  That  Dea.  Rufus  Stoddard  and  Dea.  Levi 
S.  Deming  be  a  committee  to  act  with  the  committee  of  the  society  in 
procuring  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Martyn. 

Feb.  9  or  16,  1868.  The  following  was  presented  to  the  church,  and 
on  motion  of  Dea.  J.  Deming,  ordered  on  record.  C.  K.  A. 

To  the  church  of  Chritt  in  Newington. 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represent,  that  though  they  have  no  vote 
in  the  church  by  reason  of  not  being  members  thereof,  they  have  a  deep 
interest  in  tlie  choice  you  shall  make  of  a  pastor.  And  though  many  of 
us  are  young  in  years,  and  all  are  young  in  the  Christian  lite,  we  hope  it 
will  not  be  thought  improper  for  us  to  say  that,  should  your  choice  fall  on 
Mr.  S.  S.  Martyn,  he  would  be  not  only  acceptable  to  us,  but  the  one  we 
earnestly  desire  for  our  guide  and  teacher  in  spiritual  things. 


200 

Roger  Welles,  James  B.  Griswold,  S.  H.  Kilbourn,  Olin  L.  Wetherell, 
Lewis  S.  Hubbard,  Walter  F.  Brown,  John  0.  Merrills,  Josiah  J.  Russell, 
B.  C.  Griswold,  Walter  B.  Dorman,  J.  H.  Boardman,  John  Richards,  N. 
Jacobs,  John  S.  Rowley,  Charles  S.  Francis,  E.  L.  Wetherell,  Alfred  E. 
Boyington,  Erastus  Kilbourn,  Jr.,  George  N.  Downs,  James  Reed,  C.  H. 
Rockwell,  VV.  B.  Wier,  George  E.  Whaples,  T.  F.  Wier,  A.  H.  Crittenden, 
Pratt  Francis,  Thomas  R.  Atwood. 

Mr.  Martyn  was  ordained  Api'il  29th,  18G8.  The  following  persons 
were  present. 

First  church  in  New  Haven,  Rev.  Leonard  Bacon,  D.  D.,  pastor, 
Edward  W.  Bacon.  First  church  in  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  Rev.  John  Todd, 
D.  D.,  pastor,  William  B.  Cooley.  West  Hartford,  Rev.  M.  N.  Morris, 
pastor,  Dea.  Josiah  W.  Griswold.  Southington,  Rev.  E.  C.  Jones,  pastor, 
Walter  S.  Merrills.  Asylum  Hill,  Harttbrd,  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Twichell, 
pastor,  R.  P.  Keep.  First,  New  Britain,  Charles  Northend.  New  Britain, 
South,  Rev.  C.  L.  Goodell,  pastor,  Martin  Brown.  Berlin,  Rev.  L.  H. 
Hallock,  pastor,  Leonard  Hubbard.  Wethersfield,  Rev.  A.  C.  Adams, 
pastor,  Dea.  George  Stillman.  Plantsville,  Rev.  W.  R.  Eastman,  pastor, 
Henry  D.  Smith.  Also,  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Andrews,  Rev.  C.  B.  McLean, 
Rev.  Frederick  Gridley,  Rev.  Seth  C.  Brace. 

Rev.  L.  H.  Hallock  was  chosen  scribe,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Leonard  Bacon 
moderator. 

The  several  parts  of  the  service  were  assigned  and  performed  as  fol- 
lows : 

Invocation  and  reading  of  scripture,  Rev.  L.  H.  Hallock.  Introductory 
prayer,  Rev.  A.  C.  Adams.  Sermon,  Rev.  Dr.  Todd.  Ordaining  prayer, 
Rev.  E.  C.  Jones.  Charge  to  pastor.  Rev.  Dr.  Bacon.  Right  hand  of 
fellowship.  Rev.  J.  H.  Twichell.     Address  to  people.  Rev.  C.  L.  Goodell. 

Mr.  Martyn  was  ordained  at  this  time  by  request  of  the  church,  that  he 
might  officiate  as  pastor  at  the  next  comnmnion  season,  (first  Sabbath  in 
May,)  when  some  desire  to  be  received  into  the  church  by  profession,  he 
having  informed  the  church  and  society  that  he  could  not  be  ready  to 
perform  the  duties  of  a  resident  pastor,  before  June  1st.  C.  K.  A. 

Oct.  18,  1868.  A  circular  having  been  received  by  the  pastor  from 
Revs.  E.  B.  Hillard,  E.  C.  Jones,  and  L.  H.  Hallock,  as  "committee  of 
arrangements,"  inviting  the  church  to  be  present  by  pastor  and  delegate 
at  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  Congregational  Churches  of  the  south 
part  of  Hartford,  to  be  holden  at  Wcstfield  the  20th  and  21st  instants,  the 
aim  of  said  meeting,  as  set  forth  by  the  circular  mentioned  and  also  in  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Hillard  to  the  pastor,  being  "  to  realize  a  general  confer- 
ence of  the  churches  in  their  full  membership,"  and  it  also  being  the 
intention  of  the  meeting,  as  set  forth  in  Mr.  Hillard's  letter,  to  supersede 
the  old  name  of  "  Hartford  South  Consociation,"  by  that  of '' Conference," 
and  this  church  being  invited  to  union  with  this  understanding  :  it  was 
accordingly  Voted,  That  the  church  unite  with  the  churches  thus  assem 
bled  in  forming  said  conference.  Brother  Roger  Welles  on  motion  being 
chosen  delegate.  (S.  S.  M.) 

Dec.  31,  18G8.  Voted,  at  close  of  preparatory  lecture,  that  Roger 
Welles  act  as  Superintendent  in  place  of  Brother  Joseph  J.  Francis,  whose 
term  expires  and  who  has  handed  in  his  resignation.  Church  committee 
for  year  following  also  elected  as  follows :  Brethren  C.  K.  Atwood,  John  D. 
Seymour,  Jedidiah  Deming. 

Dec.  30,  18(59.  Voted,  at  close  of  preparatory  lecture,  that  the  same 
church  committee  and  superintendent  appointed  last  year,  serve  this. 

Feb.  6,  1870.  Mr.  Jedediah  Deming  was  appointed  deacon  in  this 
church. 

March  6,  1870.     Mr.  C.  K.  Atwood  and  Mr.  H.  A.  Whittlesey  were 


201 

appointed  deacons  in  this  church.  The  brethren  named  havin^  accepted 
the  office,  the  board  of  deacons  now  consists  of  Messrs.  iJedidiah  Deming, 
Charles  K.  Atwood,  and  Heman  A.  Whittlesey. 

April  17,  1870.  Sunday,  Rev.  S.  S.  Martyn  read  from  the  pulpit  his 
letter  of  resignation  as  pastor  to  take  effect  April  29th. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  church  held  Friday,  April  22,  1870.  Dea.  Charles 
K.  Atwood  called  the  meeting  to  order.  After  prayer  and  reading  of 
Scripture,  on  motion,  Roger  Welles  was  appointed  Clerk,  pro  tern. 

The  following  resolution,  after  debate,  was  passed. 

"  Whereas,  Rev.  Sandlbrd  S.  Martyn  has  tendered  to  this  church  the 
resignation  of  his  pastorate  without  indicating  to  us  the  reasons  therefor. 
.4nr/z(;Aerm.N',  during  his  ministry  he  has  satisfied  the  expectations  with 
which  we  called  him  to  the  work,  by  a  faithful  performance  of  a  pastor's 
varied  duties. 

Therefore,  Voted,  That  we  will  unite  with  him  in  calling  a  council,  but 
do  not  accept  his  resignation  till  further  advised. 

Voted,  That  the  standing  church  committee  be  instructed  to  call  the 
■council. 

Voted,  That  Charles  K.  Atwood  be  appointed  a  committee  to  inform  the 
Ecclesiastical  Society  of  the  action  of  the  church. 

Voted,  That  Roger  Welles  be  appointed  a  committee  to  represent  the 
church  before  the  council.     The  meeting  then  adjourned. 

Attest,  RoGKR  Welles,  Clerk,  pro  tern." 

The  council  was  called  and  convened  at  the  church,  April  27,  1870,  and 
after  investigation  voted  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation  existing  between 
Mr.  Martyn  and  the  church,  from  and  after  April  29th,  1870. 

May  1,  1870.  Sunday,  At  a  meeting  of  the  church,  Dea.  Jedediah 
Deming  called  the  meeting  to  order. 

Roger  Welles  was  appointed  Clerk  of  the  church  in  the  absence  of  a 
pastor.  Dea.  Charles  K.  Atwood  offered  the  following  resolution,  which 
after  some  discussion  was  passed,  to  wit : 

"  The  council  to  which  was  referred  the  resignation  of  our  late  pastor, 
Rev.  Sandford  S.  Martyn,  having  advised  the  severance  of  his  relation  to 
us,  we  accept  it,  deeply  regretting  the  loss  we  sustain  in  the  removal  of 
an  able,  faithful,  and  devoted  minister,  who  had  endeared  himself  to  us 
by  his  sympathy,  his  kindness,  and  his  evident  interest  in  whatever  per- 
tained to  our  welfare." 

Voted,  That  the  monthly  collections  taken  up  at  the  communions  be 
hereafter  approj)riated  to  the  benefit  of  the  Am.  B.  C.  F.  M. 

Voted,  That  John  S.  Kirkham  be  appointed  Treasurer  of  the  church. 
The  meeting  then  adjourned. 

Attest,  Roger  Welles,  Clerk  of  Church. 

July  3,  1870.  On  invitation  of  the  Society's  Committee,  the  Rev,  R. 
G.  Vermilye,  professor  in  the  Hartford  Theological  Seminary,  became 
stated  preacher  in  this  church,  and  officiated  at  the  communion  this  day, 
having  supplied  the  ])ulpit  from  the  2d  Sabbath  in  June,  he  occupied  the 
parsonage,  and  continued  his  services  until  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
society  in  November. 

Sept.  13,  1870.  The  annual  Sabbath  School  convention  of  the 
"  union  "  of  neighboring  churches  was  held  with  this  church  to-day. 

Nov.  1870.  By  request  of  the  society's  committee  Prof.  Vermilye  con- 
tinued to  supply  the  pulpit,  during  the  winter,  residing  in  Hartford. 

Dec.  31,  1870.  The  annual  church  meeting  was  held  this  day,  at  the 
close  of  the  preparatory  lecture,  Mr.  J.  J.  Francis,  Mr.  J.  D.  Seymour,  and 
Mr.  J.  S.  Kirkham,  were  chosen  by  ballot  to  constitute,  in  connection 
with  the  three  deacons,  the  church  committee  for  the  ensuing  year.    Mr. 

26 


202 

Roger  Welles  was  re-elected  as  superintendent  of  the  Sabbath  School  for 
the  ensuing  year. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  church  for  the  year  1870,  as  pre- 
sented to  the  registrar  of  the  general  conference,  viz.,  members,  males,  60, 
females,  112,  total  172,  of  whom  are  absent,  22;  deaths,  2,  dismissals  5  ; 
total  loss  7;  number  in  Sabbath  School  160;  number  of  families  85; 
amount  of  contributions  $330.11. 

May  1,  1871.  Rev.  R.  G.  Vermilye  resumed  his  residence  at  the  par- 
sonage for  six  months,  having  continued  to  supply  the  pulpit  during  the 
past  winter  and  spring. 

Jan.  6,  1872.  The  annual  church  meeting  was  held  this  day,  at  the 
close  of  the  preparatory  lecture,  Mr.  J.  J.  Francis,  Mr.  J.  D.  Seymour,  and 
and  Mr.  J.  S.  Kirkham  were  chosen  by  ballot  to  constitute,  in  connection 
with  the  three  deacons,  the  church  committee  for  the  ensuing  year.  Mr. 
Roger  Welles  was  re-elected  as  superintendent  of  the  Sabbath  School  for 
the  ensuing  year,  and  Mr.  J.  S.  Kirkham  was  re-elected  treasurer  of  the 
church  funds. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  church  for  the  year  1871,  as  presented 
to  the  Registrar  of  the  General  Conference,  viz.,  members,  males,  57  ; 
females,  121 ;  total,  178;  absent  22;  no  death;  dismissals,  5;  added  by  pro- 
fession, 6  ;  baptized,  adult,  1 ;  infants,  2  ;  number  in  Sabbath  School,  160  ; 
number  of  families,  85.      Contributions  S600. 

Jan.  4,  1873.  The  annual  church  meeting  was  held  this  day,  at  the 
close  of  the  preparatory  service,  Mr.  J.  J.  Francis,  Mr.  J.  D.  Seymour, 
and  Mr  J.  S.  Kirkham,  were  chosen  church  committee,  Mr.  J.  S.  Kirkham 
was  elected  Superintendent  of  the  Sabbath  School  for  the  ensuing  year,. 
Mr.  Roger  Welles  having  declined  to  serve  any  longer. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  church  for  the  year  1872,  as  sent  to 
the  Registrar  of  the  General  Conference,  members,  males,  58 ;  females, 
113  ;  total,  171 ;  absent  22  ;  no  additions  to  the  church  during  the  year;  5 
members  died,  and  one  was  dismissed;  number  in  Sabbath  School,  162; 
number  of  families,  85.     Contributions  S542.62. 

The  pulpit  was  supplied  during  the  year  1873,  until  the  annual  meeting 
of  the  society  in  November,  by  the  Rev.  R.  G.  Vermilye,  either  in  person 
or  by  substitute,  and  the  parsonage  was  occupied  by  him  for  three  months 
after  the  first  of  July,  during  the  latter  part  of  the  period  Dr.  Vermilye's 
health  failed,  so  that  he  was  unable  to  preach,  but  furnished  supplies  at 
the  request  of  the  society's  committee.  In  the  summer  of  this  year  the 
society  resolved  to  make  extensive  repairs  and  improvements  in  their 
church  building,  service  was  omitted  the  first  two  Sabbaths  in  Septem- 
ber, and  was  then  resumed  in  the  new  town  hall,  and  continued  there 
until  the  re-opening  of  the  church. 

Nov.  2,  1873.  On  the  first  Sabbath  in  November  the  usual  communioD 
service  was  held  in  the  town  hall.  Dr.  Vermilye  officiated,  and  then  ceased 
his  services  for  the  church  and  society. 

May  3,  1874.  At  a  meeting  of  the  church  held  Sunday,  May  3,  1874. 
Voted,  That  we  hereby  extend  a  call  to  Rev.  William  Greenwood  ta 
settle  as  pastor  of  this  church  and  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Society  connected 
therewith. 

Voted,  That  Roger  Welles  be  appointed  a  committee  to  inform  the 
Ecclesiastical  Society  of  our  action,  and  to  invite  their  concurrence. 

May  10,  1874.  Voted,  That  Dea.  Charles  K.  Atwood,  Dea.  Heman  A. 
Whittlesey,  and  Joseph  J.  Francis  be  a  committee  to  communicate  to 
Rev.  William  Greenwood  the  action  of  this  church  in  giving  him  a  call  to 
settle  with  us  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  to  invite  his  acceptance  of 
the  same. 

R.  Welles.  Clerk. 


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